India Likely To Get Average Monsoon Rains This Year: Report

India is likely to get average monsoon rains this year, a private weather forecasting agency said on Tuesday. Monsoon rains are expected to be 98% of the long-term average, and there is a 65% chance that India will get average rainfall, Skymet said.

The Skymet's forecast has raised prospects of higher farm and economic growth in the country. The India Meteorological Department is expected to announce its annual monsoon forecast later this month.

Meanwhile, IMD DGM RK Jenamani on Tuesday said that due to the increased presence of clouds over Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana, the temperature will decrease by 2-3 degree Celcius and heatwave will remit. "Delhi will have wind and cloud conditions. The predicted western disturbance is already showing effects over the north-western India," said Jenamani.

"The major spell of heat wave is over. Thunderstorms are expected in west Rajasthan and Punjab. All India temperature was the highest in 122 years due to no rainfall in the last 50 days. The heatwave condition might arise in Rajasthan around April 16, and another western disturbance is expected from April 18," the IMD DGM told ANI.

(With Reuters Inputs)