Chandigarh, Aug. 1 -- The city received 184.4 mm rainfall in July, 32% below the average of 273.2 mm for the month, officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have revealed. This was due to weak Eastern disturbances and other meteorological conditions, they said.

While the Sector 39 observatory recorded 211.8 mm rain through the month, the Airport observatory recorded 207.5 mm. The highest single-day rainfall of 39.2 mm was recorded on the intervening night of July 30 and 31.

Last year too, the city had received below average rainfall at 178.4 mm - 35% below normal.

Despite the deficit, IMD has forecasted a near-normal monsoon this year, with high chances of rain in the first week of August. Met officials have also issued a...