Rainfall Deficit Persists in Southern and Eastern India

15-Sep-2026 03:40 PM

New Delhi. The time has arrived for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, yet a rainfall deficit of 15 percent relative to the long-term average persists at the national level. Significant rainfall shortages are being observed, particularly in the peninsular region of South India and in the eastern and northeastern states.

South India has recorded 28 percent less rainfall, while the eastern states have seen a 25 percent deficit. Additionally, rainfall deficits of 10 percent and 6 percent have been recorded in the northwestern states and central India, respectively.

While the rainfall deficit appears less pronounced at the divisional level, it is more significant at the regional and state levels. The impact of the El Niño weather cycle is clearly reflected in the monsoon's behavior and trajectory.

A severe rainfall deficit is being experienced across the four major agricultural states of South India: Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Odisha had also been facing a rainfall shortage, though several parts of the state received good rainfall last week. Jharkhand is also largely in the grip of drought conditions. Reports indicate below-normal rainfall in Bihar, Bengal, and Assam. Heavy rainfall is expected in some states during the monsoon's withdrawal phase. Rainfall is also needed in certain districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat; otherwise, Kharif crops could suffer damage.