91% rain deficit in NW India in January, 2nd highest since 1901

Northwest India recorded just 3.1 mm of rainfall (91% less than normal) in January, the second lowest since 1901, whereas the country as a whole recorded 58% less than normal rainfall in the month, India Meteorological Department said on Wednesday. However, it predicted the monthly rainfall over the country as a whole during Feb is most likely to be "above normal", extremely crucial for Rabi, and could bring relief to farmers.