India's August rainfall 16% below average, widening monsoon deficit

​India's August ‌rainfall was 16% ​below average, ‌its lowest in three years, as the El ‌Nino weather pattern suppressed ‌the monsoon and widened the rainfall deficit, ⁠weather ​department ⁠data showed on Monday.

The ⁠August shortfall widened the ​seasonal monsoon rainfall deficit to ⁠14% from 13% ⁠at ​the end of July, according ⁠to data compiled by the ⁠India ⁠Meteorological Department.