After a sluggish phase, Monsoon is likely to progress this week to northern, central and north-western states, that received showers on Sunday bringing cheer in the region where scanty rains had sparked fears of drought.

Activity is shifting towards central India and some parts of northwest plains. Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of west MP, parts of Gujarat, east Rajasthan and some parts of west Rajasthan, says

Indian Meteorological Department.

Overall, the country has received only 43 per cent of rainfall. It has only received 153.4 mm of rainfall as compared to expected rainfall of 270.6 mm.

The cyclonic circulation over Bay of Bengal has been travelling inland and has already brought good rain over Orissa, Andhra coast and Chhattisgarh. It will travel further towards central India and continue to bring rain further to west Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, it said.