IMD predicts below-normal rainfall over India in September

NEW DELHI: Monthly rainfall over the country as a whole is most likely to be below normal in Sept, the last month of the monsoon season, said IMD Monday - an indication that the four-month rainy season is likely to end with overall deficient cumulative rainfall, as was predicted earlier due to the impact of El Nino.IMD said Aug, which reported a deficit of more than 16% in monthly rainfall in the country despite good rains in certain parts, was the warmest Aug in India since 1901, recording a mean temperature of 28.010°C.Region-wise, South peninsular India recorded its second-warmest Aug since 1901. East and northeast India recorded their third-warmest, while northwest India saw its fifth-warmest, Aug in 126 years.So far, the country as a whole has reported a deficit of 14% in cumulative (June 1-Aug 31) rainfall, despite ‘normal’ rainfall in July.