"August 2023 could potentially experience around 40% rainfall deficit - higher than the 25% deficit recorded in 2005 (the driest August in history since 1913)," M Rajeevan, veteran meteorologist and former secretary in the Union ministry of earth sciences, said on Saturday."August 2023 could potentially experience around 40% rainfall deficit - higher than the 25% deficit recorded in 2005 (the driest August in history since 1913)," M Rajeevan, veteran meteorologist and former secretary in the Union ministry of earth sciences, said on Saturday.