Above-normal rainfall expected in second half of monsoon: IMD

India is likely to receive above-normal rainfall in the second half of the monsoon season, the weather office said on Thursday, offering a potential boost to agriculture even as regional disparities in precipitation persist.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast 106% of the long-period average (422.8 mm) rainfall during August and September, a key period for kharif crops like rice and pulses.

"Most regions are expected to record normal to above-normal rainfall, except parts of the northeast, eastern India, and some areas in central and peninsular India, which may see below-normal showers," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, in a virtual briefing.

For August specifically, rainfall is expected to remain normal across most of the country, barring the northeast and adjacent eastern states.

India has already witnessed above-normal rainfall in the first half of the monsoon season, with some regions including Himachal Pradesh reporting flash floods and landslides. The second-half outlook could offer relief for farmers and policy makers watching for monsoon consistency amid climate unpredictability.

The southwest monsoon provides about 70% of India's yearly rain and is vital for the agriculture sector that contributes 14% to the country's GDP and supports over half of its 1.4 billion population.