Monsoon in India slipped into the negative zone on Friday (August 11) with an overall deficit of one per cent after a sustained dry spell this month. Rainfall across India since June 1 remained within the normal range of ±4, while the monsoon in August till now has been 29 per cent below the long-period average with the southern part of the country having been particularly dry, says a report in the Times of India (TOI).

Monsoon in India slips into negative zone following July surplus: Report

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday that the southwest monsoon will arrive in Kerala on June 3 with heavy rainfall expected on June 2-3rd. The IMD said the southwesterly winds would strengthen gradually from June 1 resulting in rainfall over Kerala.

Southwest monsoon to arrive in Kerala by June 3: IMD

Monsoon rains in 2017 would be at 96% of the long-term average, KJ Ramesh, director-general of the India Meteorological Department said

India's monsoon rains seen at average levels in 2017