India Faces Below-Normal September Rainfall Amid Strengthening El Niño
India Faces Below-Normal September Rainfall Amid Strengthening El Niño
India · Published Sep 1, 2026
India is expected to receive below-average monsoon rainfall in September 2026, following a 16% rainfall deficit in August, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The forecast indicates that September rainfall will be less than 91% of the long-term average.

Impact & Risks

The below-normal rainfall in September could significantly impact agriculture, particularly summer-sown crops like cotton, soybean, corn, and pulses, which are in critical growth stages. Reduced soil moisture may also affect the sowing of winter crops such as wheat and rapeseed. The rainfall deficit could lead to lower reservoir levels and groundwater recharge, posing risks to water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes. Economic growth may also be affected, given the importance of agriculture to India's economy.

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