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Weather
India records its driest monsoon in 13 years as 11 states face severe rainfall deficit
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 01 Oct 2026, 09:17 AM
👁 16
The Indian Meteorological Department reported that the current monsoon season is the driest since 2011, with eleven major states experiencing significant shortfalls in rainfall.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared the ongoing monsoon season the driest across the country in the past 13 years, marking a stark deviation from normal rainfall patterns. Data released this week shows that the cumulative rainfall over the core monsoon months fell well below the long‑term average, prompting concerns among policymakers and farmers alike.
Eleven key states—including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha—are reported to be facing a pronounced deficit in rainfall. The shortfall varies across regions, but each of these states has recorded amounts considerably lower than the climatological norms for the same period.
The deficit is expected to strain agricultural output, especially for rain‑fed crops that depend heavily on timely monsoon rains. Reservoir levels are also projected to remain below optimal thresholds, raising the risk of water scarcity in the coming months. The central government has signalled readiness to activate contingency measures, including supplemental irrigation schemes and financial relief for affected farmers.
IMD forecasters caution that the monsoon is likely to withdraw further before the season concludes, leaving little scope for recovery. Continuous monitoring will be essential to assess the evolving situation and to guide any additional emergency responses.
Eleven key states—including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha—are reported to be facing a pronounced deficit in rainfall. The shortfall varies across regions, but each of these states has recorded amounts considerably lower than the climatological norms for the same period.
The deficit is expected to strain agricultural output, especially for rain‑fed crops that depend heavily on timely monsoon rains. Reservoir levels are also projected to remain below optimal thresholds, raising the risk of water scarcity in the coming months. The central government has signalled readiness to activate contingency measures, including supplemental irrigation schemes and financial relief for affected farmers.
IMD forecasters caution that the monsoon is likely to withdraw further before the season concludes, leaving little scope for recovery. Continuous monitoring will be essential to assess the evolving situation and to guide any additional emergency responses.