NEW DELHI: The country recorded 29% below normal rainfall last week, with Central India and south peninsula remaining largely rain-deprived, even as rainfall in east and northeast India picked up significantly. The next few days have little respite to offer, as overall rainfall is only expected to pick up around Monday, the weather office has said.Both June and July registered below normal rainfall across the country — 5% and 6% respectively.This deviation, however, is considered normal according to the weather forecasters.East and northeast India has recorded the highest rainfall deficit of 26% since June 1, which has weighed down upon the overall monsoon performance. Rainfall in the region, however, has picked up over the last week, and has helped narrow down the rain deficiency marginally. The region recorded 13% above normal rains during the week between July 26 and August 1.“Overall rainfall activity is likely to be normal to above normal over east & northeastern states and Uttar Pradesh” during August 2-8, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.This will help the planting of paddy – an important crop grown in this region– which according to last week’s data from the agriculture ministry, was 12% lower than the corresponding period in 2017.Countrywide rainfall is likely to remain bleak over the next week, as independent weather forecaster Skymet also warned earlier this week. The independent weather forecaster said the first 10 days of August will see a weak phase of monsoon.Apart from the east and northeast region, parts of west coast are likely to see heavy rainfall over the next one week. West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Marathawada, Telengana, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu are expected to see scanty rainfall during this time, the met office has warned.During the week beginning August 9, above normal rainfall activity will be confined to northwest and east India and extreme south peninsula, IMD said.July and August being agriculturally most crucial months, lean rainfall in these months could pose a threat to the overall agricultural production of the country.Skymet on Wednesday indicated 70% chances of deficient rainfall in August owing to weak phase of monsoon, as it downgraded its seasonal rainfall estimates from 100% of average in May to 92% after the first half of the June to September monsoon season.The independent weather forecaster on Thursday said that owing to break monsoon conditions, most of northwest India will remain dry till the end of this week. Rainfall over the western Himalayan region, adjoining northern plains is expected to revive around Sunday.