The Southwest Monsoon has covered the entire country two days ahead of its normal date after reaching the last frontiers of Kutch and Western Rajasthan.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country has so far received four per cent more rainfall than normal.
All sub-regions have been receiving good rainfall except the North-East and east region of the country, where the deficiency has reached 23 per cent.
“The Southwest Monsoon has advanced to remaining parts of north Arabian Sea, Kutch and West Rajasthan. Thus, it has covered the entire country on July 13,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin.
The monsoon hit Kerala on June 8, seven days after its normal onset date, which marks the start of the rainy season in the country. In mid-June its progress had reduced considerably due to lack of traction near Karwar.
However, after that it has made rapid progress. It usually covers the last frontiers of Kutch and West Rajasthan on July 15. This marks the monsoon covering the entire country.
The IMD has forecast “above normal” rainfall this season.