India's monsoon rains to be average in 2017: IMD

New Delhi: Despite a sharp rise in temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius in some cities, causing a heatwave-like situation, experts say India's crucial monsoon rains are expected to be average this year.

K.J Ramesh, Director General of the state-run India Meteorological Department said the Southwest Monsoon will be "normal" in 2017, adding that there would be good distribution of rainfall across the country.

"The country will receive 96 per cent of Long Period Average," he said.

Anything between 96 and 104 per cent of the LPA is considered as "normal". Anything under 96 per cent is considered as "below normal" and 104-110 per cent of the LPA as "above normal".

Last year, the IMD had made an initial forecast of "above normal" rainfall, but it belied its prediction and ended the seasons with normal precipitation.

Last year, the southern peninsula had registered deficient rainfall and several parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala reeled under drought-like situation.

Meanwhile, the IMD had in its summer forecast for the season (March to May) predicted above normal' temperature across the country - at least up to June.

(With PTI inputs)