- India's monsoon rains cover entire country, still lower than average

India’s annual monsoon arrived six days earlier than usual, covering the entire country, according to the state-run weather office. However, rain totals for the season are currently 10% below average. The monsoon is crucial for India’s economy, providing water for farms and replenishing reservoirs and aquifers. It also brings relief from the summer heat. Normally, the monsoon starts in Kerala state on the southwest coast around June 1 and progresses northwards to cover the entire country by July 8. This year, it arrived in Kerala on June 8, over a week later than usual, and its progress was hindered by severe cyclone Biparjoy. Nevertheless, the monsoon has made rapid progress this week and now covers the entire country, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In June, India received 10% below normal rainfall, with some states experiencing up to 60% lower rainfall than usual. However, the IMD predicts that India will receive average rainfall in July, despite the potential emergence of the El Nino weather pattern. Bountiful monsoon rains in July would alleviate concerns about summer crop output and provide higher incomes for rural areas, where most Indians reside. Since nearly half of the country’s farmland lacks irrigation, Indian farmers heavily rely on the monsoon.