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2 clusters · 14 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

India monsoon rainfall deficit

Overview

India is experiencing a significant monsoon deficit, with rainfall recorded at 14 percent below the long-period average by late August 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this trend to the monsoon trough remaining near the Himalayan foothills rather than advancing into central India.

By late August, officials warned that the monsoon could be the weakest since 2009, with a potential seasonal deficit of approximately 15 percent. This shortfall is linked to the strengthening effects of El Nino. While some areas have seen localized heavy rainfall and healthy reservoir levels in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, the overall trend suggests continued low rainfall through September.

The deficit poses substantial risks to the agricultural sector, specifically impacting Kharif crops such as rice, maize, pulses, cotton, and soybean. Experts note that the lack of rain may also affect soil moisture required for Rabi crops like wheat and mustard, potentially leading to increased food inflation and threats to national food security.

Entities

India · India Meteorological Department · Madhya Pradesh · Skymet · Punjab

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    India faces potential weakest monsoon since 2009

    India may experience its weakest monsoon since 2009, with rainfall potentially 15% below average due to El Nino, threatening agricultural yields and food security.

  2. 6 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 13 sources
    India monsoon rainfall hits 14% deficit amid agricultural concerns

    India faces a 14% monsoon rainfall deficit, with the IMD forecasting below-average rain until September 2, raising concerns over Kharif crop yields and food inflation.

Sources

aajsamaaj.com · agniban.com · archtoronto.org · chinimandi.com · earlynews24.com · hindi.asianetnews.com · hindi.webdunia.com · news18.com · samacharnama.com · sandrp.in · socialnews.xyz · tempo.pt · thecsrjournal.in · viagemegastronomia.com.br