'Nearly one-fifth of population to be exposed to below-normal rainfall'

Around 19 per cent of India's population is likely to be exposed to below-normal precipitation and around 13 per cent may witness above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season this year, according to the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum.

The South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) brings together meteorological and climate experts from South Asian countries to analyse historical data, monitor current climate conditions, and develop consensus-based forecasts for the region.

Around 18.6 per cent of the population of India is likely to be exposed to below-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, it said.

There is a 52 per cent probability of below-normal precipitation in the north and a 40 per cent probability of below-normal rainfall in the central parts of the country.

A total of 12.7 per cent of the people in India may witness above-normal rainfall, SASCOF said.

There is a 50 per cent chance of above-normal rainfall in southern and eastern parts of India, it said.

The Ind