After excessive rains in July, the monsoon is lacking this month. Of the five above-normal rainfall amounts, 6 percent are currently lacking across the country.
With light rains in the coming days, the monsoon is likely to remain below normal.
According to a special IMD report, India received 557.7 mm of rain till August 17 against the long-period average (LPA) of 596.2 mm. The northwestern region received more rain than usual, while the other three towards the east and northeast; Middle; and southern peninsula - have so far received less than normal rainfall. Out of a total of 36 wards, 23 received normal rainfall, while nine are still deficient. The regions of western Rajasthan and Kutch and Saurashtra received "large surplus rainfall". Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh (considered as one region) received excess rain. Specifically, precipitation above 60 percent of normal is considered a large surplus, while precipitation between 20 and 60 percent is called "excess."

According to the latest IMD data, Kerala (-45 percent), Jharkhand (-37 percent), and Bihar (-30 percent) were most affected by the decrease in rainfall.