Understanding India's Southwest Monsoon and Rainfall Deficits
Understanding India's Southwest Monsoon and Rainfall Deficits
Global · Published Oct 7, 2026
• India's southwest monsoon is a critical weather phenomenon, but recent years have seen significant rainfall deficits.
• Learn about the factors influencing monsoon variability and its impact on agriculture and livelihoods.

Recent Rainfall Deficits

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received only 87% of its long-period average rainfall during the June–September monsoon season, resulting in a 13% deficit. This marked one of the weakest monsoons in over a decade. The deficit was uneven across regions, with East and Northeast India recording their lowest rainfall since 1901, while the southern peninsula experienced its fourth-lowest rainfall during the same period.

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