After the southwest monsoon season, there has been a noticeable lack of rain in the northern, western, central, and northwestern parts of India.

However, regions in South India, as well as eastern and northeastern states, have experienced good rainfall. This is largely due to the activity of the northeast monsoon, especially over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh, where rainfall continues due to the presence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

As of last week, national water storage in 155 dams and reservoirs stood at only 83% of their total capacity. Between October 1 and November 21, 2024, 64% of the country's 720 districts received below-average rainfall, whereas the southwest monsoon (June 1 to September 30) had seen an 8% surplus.

By November 21, the national rainfall deficit was 11%, with the northwest region recording a significant 75% less rainfall than usual. Consequently, the water levels in reservoirs there are also dropping.

In contrast, the eastern and northeastern parts of India saw above-normal rainfall during this period. The central region recorded an 18% rainfall deficit, while the southern region experienced a 2% deficit, with parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Telangana receiving less rainfall. Despite this, heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry helped limit the overall national rainfall deficit to just 2%.

As a result of this rainfall distribution, sowing for Rabi crops has begun in many states, with an expected increase in the area dedicated to wheat and gram cultivation, as farmers anticipate a good harvest in the coming season.