The news could not have come at a better time... while many parts of the country is reeling under an acute heatwave, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted normal to excess rainfall this monsoon. "The rainfall as a whole from June 1 to September 30 is likely to be above normal between 104 to 110 per cent. So it's good news," IMD Director General Laxman Singh Rathore said.

The improved rain forecast has been credited to the El Nino weather pattern gradually fading and giving way to La Nina.

It also brings some much needed hope to the people of Marathwada, who are suffering from the worst drought in 70 years. According to the IMD monsoon in the region will be better than normal, which could mean that the people could get some much needed drought relief.

Due to poor monsoon in 2015-16 crop year (July-June), 10 states have declared drought and the Centre has sanctioned relief package of about Rs 10,000 crore to help the farmers.