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India faces 42% rainfall deficit
New Delhi: India's southwest monsoon has lost momentum during a crucial phase of the season, leaving the country grappling with a significant rainfall shortfall. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the nation recorded a 42 per cent rainfall deficit between June 4 and June 18, 2026, triggering concerns over crop sowing, reservoir storage, and water supply in several regions.
During this period, India received only 42.1 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 72.2 mm. The deficiency has been particularly severe across central, eastern, and peninsular India, where several districts have reported rainfall deficits ranging from 20 per cent to as high as 90 per cent.
Challenging situation for farmers
The uneven distribution of rainfall has created a challenging situation for farmers, especially in states dependent on timely monsoon showers for sowing operations. Agricultural activities have slowed in many areas due to insufficient soil moisture and delayed rains.
Meteorologists said
Meteorologists attribute the weak performance of the monsoon to sluggish atmospheric circulation. Weather systems have remained concentrated over northern India and the western Himalayan region due to the influence of active western disturbances. As a result, states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and large parts of central India have witnessed limited cloud formation and sparse rainfall activity.
The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon remains weak, while the Bay of Bengal arm has produced only isolated thunderstorms over eastern and northeastern regions. The current weather pattern has failed to generate widespread rainfall needed to reduce the growing deficit.
Maharashtra is worst-affected
Among the worst-affected states is Maharashtra, where several areas are facing a prolonged dry spell. Mumbai is witnessing one of its driest June periods in recent years, while concerns are also mounting across Vidarbha and central Madhya Pradesh, where farmers are awaiting substantial rainfall to protect standing and newly sown crops.
Weather experts believe a strong low-pressure system over either the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal could help revive monsoon activity. However, current forecasts do not indicate any immediate large-scale weather system capable of delivering widespread rainfall across deficit regions.
With the second half of June approaching, meteorologists are closely monitoring changing weather patterns. If moisture flow fails to strengthen and fresh weather systems do not develop soon, the rainfall deficit could persist into late June, increasing pressure on agriculture, drinking water supplies, and reservoir levels across the country.
