Northeast India Faces Increasing Monsoon Instability: Study
Northeast India Faces Increasing Monsoon Instability: Study
IN · Published Sep 18, 2026
A 52-year study conducted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) reveals that Northeast India is experiencing a rise in extreme one-day rainfall events alongside longer dry spells.
The study, published in the International Journal of Climatology, analysed weather data from 1971 to 2022 and found that the region is the only part of India showing a statistically significant increase in such rainfall extremes.

Impact & Risks

The combination of heavier downpours and prolonged dry spells poses significant challenges for Northeast India. These conditions increase the risk of both floods and droughts, which can severely impact agriculture, infrastructure, and local communities. The region's unique climate pattern stands apart from the broader heat-and-drought trends observed across the rest of India, necessitating tailored strategies for managing these risks.

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