Monsoon could be close to normal; monsoon definite by May 15, says MET

There is some good news from the rain gods. The MET department's first monsoon forecast for the year shows that it expects a near-normal monsoon this year. Rainfall is expected at 96 percent of the long period average. The department has also said that though weak El Nino conditions prevail over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, it is expected to weaken. If this happens, it means India may not have to face a drought-like situation this year. Pronab Sen, former chief statistician and DS Pai, director of long range forecast at the India MET Department shared their views and outlook.