Telangana, AP received 12 per cent deficient rain

As per the IMD, the rainfall average nationwide from June 1 to July 20 was 322.6 mm against the norm of 348 mm, 7 per cent below the long period average.

As against the normal 213.2 mm, Andhra Pradesh had received 13 per cent deficient rainfall at 186.2 mm. Telangana has seen seven per cent deficit, receiving 258.1 mm as against the normal 276.5 mm during the period from June 1 to July 20. The minister gave this information in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

“Below normal rainfall over India as a whole realised so far is largely attributable to the weak monsoon scenario that prevailed for over three weeks from June 26 to July 18,” he said.

Mr Chowdary said the rainfall forecast over the country during July was likely to be nine per cent of the long period average, and 90 per cent during August, both with a model error of plus or minus nine per cent.

The minister said the El Ninos had adversely affected the monsoon. As per the model forecasts, it is also expected to affect the monsoon in the coming months. He said moderate El Nino conditions were persisting in the Pacific Ocean and latest forecasts indicate that they may strengthen further during the rest of the monsoon and the post-monsoon season.