New Delhi, Jan. 31 -- India recorded 31.5 per cent below-normal rainfall in January even as temperatures across the country remained above normal, the India Meteorological Department said.

Speaking at a press conference, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra Jenamani, said rainfall during the month remained deficient over Northwest India, East and Northeast India, and Central India, while South Peninsular India received near-normal rainfall, registering 10.9 per cent above the long-period average.

The deficit was particularly acute across large parts of East and North East India, and central India.

"Northwest India recorded 12.1 per cent less rainfall, while East and Northeast India saw a mass...