Monsoon reaches Rajasthan, covers entire country two days ahead of schedule

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has covered the entire country two days ahead of its normal date after reaching the last frontiers of Kutch and Western Rajasthan. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country has so far received four per cent more rainfall than normal. [caption id=“attachment_2893266” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] All sub-regions have been receiving good rainfall except the Northeast and eastern regions of the country, where the deficiency is 23 per cent. “The southwest monsoon has advanced to the remaining parts of north Arabian Sea, Kutch and west Rajasthan. Thus, it has covered the entire country as on 13 July,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin. Monsoon hit Kerala on 8 June, seven days after its normal onset date, which marks the start of the rainy season in the country. In mid-June, its progress had reduced considerably due to lack of traction near Karwar. However, it made a rapid progress after that. It usually covers the last frontiers of Kutch and West Rajasthan by 15 July. This marks the monsoon covering the entire country. The IMD has made an “above normal” rainfall forecast this season.