Rainfall / Monsoon Rainfall Drops 15%, Sparks Drought Fears across India

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: India is facing a worrying decline in monsoon rainfall this year, raising fears of drought‑like conditions across large parts of the country.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall between June 1 and September 18, 2026, measured only 691.9 mm against the normal 812.1 mm — a shortfall of nearly 15 per cent.

The deficit has hit farmers hard, with 16 states recording below‑average rainfall, covering about 43 per cent of India’s land area. Experts warn that reduced rainfall directly impacts crop yields, water availability, and could trigger drinking water shortages in the future.

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Regional variations highlight the severity of the situation. Eastern and northeastern India recorded 25 per cent less rainfall than normal, while northwest India saw a 9 per cent deficit.

Central India experienced 6 per cent less rainfall, and the southern peninsula was worst affected, with a 28 per cent shortfall.

District‑level data paints an even more alarming picture. Out of 741 districts monitored by IMD (excluding seven with incomplete data), 342 districts — nearly 46 per cent — reported deficient or highly deficient rainfall.

Only 87 districts (12 per cent) recorded excess or heavy rainfall, while 305 districts (41 per cent) received normal rainfall.

This uneven distribution means that while some regions have escaped the worst, vast stretches of farmland are under stress. Farmers in drought‑prone areas are already reporting crop losses and reduced sowing, raising concerns about food security and rural livelihoods.

The IMD’s analysis shows that only 2 per cent of India’s geographical area experienced excess rainfall this season, while 55 per cent received normal rainfall. But the 43 per cent deficit zone remains critical, with the possibility of drought conditions looming large.