By Pramod Kumar Jha

New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS): India has received the highest rainfall in August this year since 1976 -- 25 percent more than the average, after recording 10 percent less downpour than the average in July, thus setting a new record after 44 years, the IMD said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) however, has forecast that the monsoon may slow down in September.

"The forecast so far has been correct regarding the monsoon. The distribution of monsoon across the country has been better and consistent. There was strong rainfall in August, but in September, the monsoon may gradually weaken. However, areas that received less rain may see increased rainfall," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told IANS.

The latest IMD report said: "From August 1-28, India has received 296.2 millimetres of rainfall, while the average rainfall during the month is 237.2 millimetres. Thus, the country has received 25 percent more rainfall in August than the average.

"Previously in 1976, the month of August received 28.4 percent more rainfall than the average, while the highest rainfall in August was in 1926 -- between 1901 and 2020. In 1926, 33 percent more rainfall was recorded than the average. "

According to the IMD data, the highest rainfall in August has been in central India -- 57 percent above the average, while the east and northeast India received 18 percent less rainfall than the average.

Mahapatra said the monsoon is currently moving towards north-west India while the southern states may experience some relief from heavy rains in the coming weeks.

He said that IMD had issued a forecast of rainfall in Delhi after August 25, which proved to be correct and on Friday (August 28), it rained in the national capital.

"There will be relatively less rainfall in September but the distribution of rainfall across the country will increase the yield of Kharif season crops. The forecast for October has not been released yet."