New Delhi, June 9 (IANS): Monsoon is expected to be below normal in 2014 at 93 percent of the average rainfall, Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said Monday.
"Rainfall over the country as a whole for the 2014 southwest monsoon season is likely to be below normal at 93 percent of the average rainfall," he said at a press conference here.
According to him, the region-wise seasonal rainfall too will be affected.
"Region-wise, the seasonal rainfall is likely to be 85 percent of the average over northwest India," he said.
As India's northwest region includes the green belt -- Punjab and Haryana, this below rainfall phenomenon is likely to affect this belt.
The four-month-long monsoon arrived a day late in Kerala June 6.
Once the southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala, it advances northwards and covers the entire country by July 15.