RAINFALL in August, which recorded 24 percent deficiency, was lowest in 12 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

Two major spells of weak monsoon prevailed over the country -- from August 9-16 and August 23-27 -- when north-west, central and adjoining peninsular and west coast of India had subdued rainfall activities.

“During August 2021, rainfall over the country as a whole was below Long Period Average (LPA) by minus 24 percent. It is also lowest August rainfall in last 12 years, since 2002,” the IMD said.

The south-west Monsoon season officially commences from June 1 and lasts till September 30. The month of June recorded 10 per cent more rainfall, but both July and August clocked deficiency of seven and 24 per cent respectively, according to the IMD data.