India likely to get ‘below normal’ monsoon rains in 2023: Skymet

Likelihood of El Nino, which typically brings dry weather to Asia, is increasing and its probability to become a dominant category during the monsoon is growing large

India is likely to get "below normal" monsoon rains in 2023 with an increasing likelihood of El-Nino, which typically brings dry weather to Asia, private weather forecasting agency Skymet said on Monday.

"Likelihood of El Nino is increasing and its probability to become a dominant category during the monsoon is growing large. El Nino return may presage a weaker monsoon," Jatin Singh, managing director, Skymet said in a statement.

Also read: Explained | Why India is watching the El Niño forecast with bated breath 

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be 94% of the long-term average, said Skymet, retaining its previous view of sub-par monsoon.

New Delhi defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 88 centimetres (35 inches)for the four-month season beginning June.

The state-run India Meteorological Department is expected to announce its annual monsoon forecast soon.

Also read: Amid El Nino, inflation concerns, Finance Ministry says strong consumer demand to spur growth