Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Ooty Records 50 Percent Rainfall Deficit During Southwest Monsoon
The southwest monsoon brings much of the rain to the Nilgiris hills.
This year, the district received much less rain than usual.
The Nilgiris had a 32 percent rainfall shortage.
Ooty received only 253 mm instead of its usual 530 mm.
The article says the El-Nino effect may have caused the rain to be erratic and insufficient.
Some western parts of the district received more rain than Ooty and central areas.
Parson’s Valley reservoir received enough rain to help support Ooty’s water supply.
Other important reservoirs did not fill well, so the region is hoping for more rain during the northeast monsoon.
The southwest monsoon season ended Wednesday after running from June through September.
The Nilgiris district received 572 mm of rain against a normal 842 mm, recording a 32 percent deficit.
Ooty received 253 mm compared with its normal 530 mm, representing nearly a 50 percent deficit.
Western Nilgiris received more rain than central areas, while Parson’s Valley reservoir received appreciable precipitation.
Avalanche, Upper Bhavani and Emerald reservoirs did not fill adequately, raising hopes for excess northeast monsoon rainfall.
- Who
- The Nilgiris district, including Ooty town and nearby taluks, experienced the rainfall deficit.
- What
- The district recorded a 32 percent southwest monsoon rainfall deficit, while Ooty recorded nearly a 50 percent deficit.
- When
- During the southwest monsoon from June through September, which ended Wednesday.
- Where
- The Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, particularly Ooty town limits.
- Why
- The article says the El-Nino effect may have caused erratic and insufficient rainfall.
- Monsoon period
- June through September
- Nilgiris normal rainfall
- 842 mm
- Nilgiris recorded rainfall
- 572 mm
- Nilgiris deficit
- 32 percent
- Ooty normal rainfall
- 530 mm
- Ooty recorded rainfall
- 253 mm
- Main water source mentioned
- Parson’s Valley reservoir