Revised IMD forecast sees better monsoon in India as El Nino weakens

IMD upgrades forecast from 96% of LPA; normal rains might ease food inflation

Expectations of a normal monsoon were reinforced with the meteorological department raising its estimate of rainfall to 98 per cent of the long period average (LPA). Making its second stage monsoon forecast for 2017, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday upgraded its projection from the earlier 96 per cent forecast.

Seasonal rainfall is likely to be the lowest in northwest India at 96 per cent of the LPA. However, this may not have much effect, as 80 per cent of the area is irrigated. Central India is expected to receive 100 per cent of the LPA rainfall while the