India: IMD Forecasts Excess Rains During Second Half of Monsoon

On August 1, India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an above normal rains forecast for the second half (August to September) of the southwest monsoon. Cumulative rainfall as of August 11 was seven percent above the long period average (LPA), with central and southern India receiving 16 percent and 23 percent above normal rainfall respectively. Rains in July improved reservoir storage and boosted planting prospects, with Kharif sowing three percent higher than last year. Higher planted area was observed for pulses, maize, paddy and groundnut.