Monsoon covers entire country

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's (IMD), the country has so far received four percent more rainfall than normal.

All sub regions have been receiving good rainfall except the Northeast and east region of the country, where the deficiency has reached 23 percent.

"The southwest Monsoon has advanced to remaining parts of north Arabian Sea, Kutch and West Rajasthan. Thus it has covered the entire country on July 13," the IMD said in its latest bulletin.

Monsoon had hit Kerala on June 8, 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, after that it made a rapid progress. It usually covers the last frontiers of Kutch and West Rajasthan on July 15. This marks monsoon covering the entire country.

The IMD has made a forecast of "above normal" rainfall this season.