The rainfall in August has been deficient by 26 per cent so far, with shortfalls in two successive months triggering fear of a below-normal monsoon this year.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the rainfall in July was seven per cent less than normal.

"August recorded 26 per cent deficiency till yesterday (August 28)," IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said, adding that the shortfall has been recorded in north and central India. June recorded 10 per cent more rainfall. The IMD will soon release a forecast for September, he said. The shortfalls in two successive months in the four-month Southwest Monsoon season from June 1 to September 30 have triggered fear of a below-normal monsoon this year.