NEW DELHI: The southwest monsoon has begun on a strong note with the country getting rainfall that’s 16% above normal since June 1 and the outlook for the vital weather system getting even better as more international forecasters are saying that the rain-disrupting El Nino phenomenon is not likely this summer. Rainfall has been above normal in every major region of the country, particularly in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, adding much-needed moisture to the soil for kharif planting and preparing the ground for a good harvest for the second consecutive year.