“The city will witness good rainfall. As per our forecast, Pune would receive 652.2 mm rainfall against the average of 566 mm. This means there would be 115 per cent of average rainfall,” agriculture meteorology department head R N Sable told reporters.

According to Sable, the period from June 15 to 30 would be very good for kharif crop yield. As per the forecast, June, July and August would witness very heavy rainfall. On the basis of average calculation in 15 stations, Maharashtra would have 97 per cent of average rainfall.

Konkan would have two per cent less than average rainfall (98 per cent). This would result in good yield of paddy.

Central and southern Maharashtra including Kolhapur, Karad, Podegaon, Pune and Ahmednagar are expected to get good rainfall. This would result in good yield of paddy, jowar, sugarcane, bajra, potato, pulses etc.

However there would be a long intervening period between the first and second rain spells.

The department said that places in north Maharashtra like Nashik and Jalgaon are expected to have 23 per cent less than average rainfall in June and July, while in August heavy showers could occur.

Howver, Dhule region may have 15 per cent less than average rainfall.

In Akola in western Vidarbha, the monsoon would be below average, underlining the need for taking steps for water conservation.

Eastern Vidarbha is expected to have two per cent below normal rainfall.

In Marathwada, rainfall could be one per cent below average.