India's southwest monsoon stalls, widening regional rain deficit

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the 2024 southwest monsoon, which began on June 1, has entered a period of stagnation, leaving a national rainfall deficit of about 20%. The Arabian Sea branch has been stuck near the south Konkan region since June 8, and the Bay of Bengal branch shows little movement, resulting in uneven rainfall across the country.

Deficits are especially severe in central India (about 61%) and the eastern region (around 43%), while the south peninsula records a 14% shortfall. Mumbai’s water utility has cut supply by 20% for non‑essential uses, and farmers in Maharashtra and other rain‑fed areas face potential yield losses for rice, cotton and sugarcane. Experts warn that a prolonged shortfall could tighten domestic food supplies and contribute to inflation. Skymet Weather’s AVM G P Sharma said the monsoon has “hardly moved an inch” in recent days, underscoring concerns about the upcoming sowing window.