Monsoon revival over weekend likely, but second-half rainfall may be muted

If the rains become scarce after mid-August, the standing kharif crops might be impacted

The southwest monsoon, which had been lying low since more than a week, is expected to make a strong comeback from the coming weekend, which may help cover up for the June shortfall that stoodat 7 per cent as on Thursday.

However, going forward, doubts have emerged over the performance of the monsoon in 2018, especially during the second half of the season from mid-August because of El Niño.

If rains become scarce after mid-August, it might impact the standing kharif crops because July rains are projected to above normal in several parts of the country, mainly in central and northern India.