India's monsoon rains, which have been about a fifth below average so far, have not managed to allay concerns and total rainfall for the season is now likely to be lower than forecast, the Prime Minister's office said in a statement on Monday.
The intensity and spread of rainfall over the next week or so needs to be watched carefully, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, the statement said.
The government scaled down the weather office's forecast of rains at 96 percent of a 50-year average towards 92 percent of the average -- still avoiding a drought.
