Monsoon set to enter 'weak phase' in early Aug: Experts

Following intense rain through the majority of July, which caused floods, landslides and damage to infrastructure particularly in the country's north, north-west and along the west coast, August will likely see a gradual lull in rainfall with monsoon set to enter a "weak phase", weather models indicate.

Heavy rains across India's north and west in July have also meant that the nationwide rainfall deficit of 10% at the end of June was overturned and there is now 5% excess rain over the country, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

"The latest extended range forecast from a couple of leading climate prediction centres suggest monsoon is entering a weak phase during first week of August, and then a classic break condition during the second week. There is a suggestion that it may extend into the third week also," said M Rajeevan, former secretary, ministry of earth sciences. "This break is very much inevitable after a long active monsoon spell... The El Niño influence could be more seen on Indian monsoon."