Monsoon will be normal this year and most parts of the country are expected to receive good rains in July-August. However, the Met office has marginally downgraded its earlier forecast.

According to the India Meterological Department's update released yesterday, monsoon season rainfall for the country as a whole will be 96 per cent of the long period average.

In April, Met office said, the country would receive 99 per cent rains. Rains in July this year are likely to be 98 per cent, while the rainfall in August is forecast to be 96 per cent.