Skymet predicts below-normal monsoon in India

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After four consecutive years of copious rains, a weather forecasting agency Skymet said the rain to be deficit this season throughout India. For Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the monsoon arrives in September. The forecasting agency said this year the fall will be subpar compared with former years. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh will experience the same during July.

Skymet said the weak and dry season in Asian regions could presage for a weaker monsoon that could affect Kerala too. A short rainfall in north India will cut down the cultivation of sugar cane. A premonition of sorts is in the picture as sugar prices can skyrocket if such a condition arises.