Southwest Monsoon Ends with 15% Rainfall Deficit Across India
Southwest Monsoon Ends with 15% Rainfall Deficit Across India
IN · Published Oct 18, 2026
• India's southwest monsoon has officially withdrawn, leaving a nationwide rainfall deficit of 15% for the June–September season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• The country received 76.8 cm of rainfall, compared to the long-period average of 90 cm.

Impact & Risks

The uneven distribution of rainfall has raised concerns about agricultural productivity, particularly in northern and northeastern states that rely heavily on monsoon rains for irrigation. Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reported deficits of 37%, 21%, and 24%, respectively, which could impact crop yields. In the northeast, states like Meghalaya, Assam, and Bihar faced deficits of 40%, 29%, and 32%, respectively, potentially affecting water availability and groundwater recharge. Conversely, excess rainfall in central and southern India may have mitigated drought risks in those regions.

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