New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Several parts of the country are likely to experience below-normal rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In its long-range forecast, the IMD stated rainfall over the country is most likely to be below normal, estimated at 90–95 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA).

However, some regions including parts of Northeast, Northwest, and South Peninsular India may receive near-normal rainfall during the June to September monsoon period.

Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall across the country is expected to be around 92 per cent of the LPA, with a model error margin of ±5 per cent, the IMD said. The LPA of monsoon seasonal rainfall over the country, based on data from 1971 to 2020, stands at 87 cm.

The weather agency also noted the Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent during the past three months (January to March 2026) was slightly below normal. Typically, winter and spring snow cover over the Northern Hemisphere and Eurasia has an inverse relationship with the subsequent Indian summer monsoon rainfall.

Meanwhile, heatwave conditions continue in Odisha, with eight locations recording temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above on Monday. Titilagarh emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording 41 degrees Celsius.