Monsoon 18% below normal in July 29 week

The southwest monsoon rains were 18 percent below normal in the week to July 29, having been above normal for the previous two weeks, the India Meteorological Department said on July 30. Total rainfall since the beginning of June was 19 percent below average, the weather bureau said. Subdued monsoon rainfall activity is likely over central and adjoining Peninsular India during next 2-3 days, the IMD said on its web site. Widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is likely over northeastern states and fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls over West Bengal & Sikkim and parts of plains of northwest India during next 48 hours and decrease thereafter, the IMD said.