Monsoon in 2016 to be ’above normal’, says IMD

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 12, 2016: In news that could bring relief to parched regions of the country, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday forecast an above-normal Monsoon in 2016.

 

IMD director-general LS Rathore told a press briefing that the Monsoon this is year is going to be above normal.

“More or less, Monsoon 2016 is expected to be good,” Rathore stated.

He, however, added that temperatures before the onset of Monsoon are going to be above normal.

An above-average Monsoon would ease fears over agriculture and economic growth after two straight droughts hit rural incomes and farm output.

A Reuters report said quoting weather officials that rains in 2016 would be 106 percent of the long-term average.

The Monsoon rains are expected to be above average as the El Nino weather pattern, which can lead to dry spells in South Asia, is gradually fading and giving way to La Nina.