India monsoon rainfall shows extreme regional variability

India is experiencing significant monsoon variability, with a projected national rainfall deficit of 15 per cent. While the national figure suggests manageable levels, data from the India Meteorological Department indicates that nearly half of the country's districts have faced deficient or large deficient rainfall.

In the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, specifically in Dharashiv, the situation is critical. The district has seen no rain for 80 days, resulting in a nearly 50 per cent rainfall deficit compared to long-period averages. This has caused groundwater levels to drop by over seven metres and led to estimated crop losses of 80–85 per cent.

Conversely, parts of Andhra Pradesh have seen a dramatic shift due to torrential downpours induced by a deep depression. In just two days, several districts, including Visakhapatnam and Polavaram, recorded massive rainfall excesses. This surge has moved 11 districts into the normal rainfall category and reduced the state's cumulative deficit from approximately 50 per cent to 31.15 per cent. However, the Rayalaseema region remains challenged, with most districts still recording a rainfall deficit exceeding 40 per cent.