A normal, or average, monsoon means rainfall between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm (35 inches) in total during the four-month monsoon season from June, according

to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) classification. Rainfall below 90 percent of the average would be classified as a drought. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's

first two years in office, in 2014 and 2015, there were consecutive droughts that led to some criticism due to the government's handling of the issue. Rainfall above 110 percent of the

average would mean an excessive monsoon, which would not be as damaging as a drought but could be potentially harmful for the yields of certain crops. The monsoon season starts with rains on