Archive · 22 Jul 2026
India's Monsoon Faces 21% Deficit Despite Heavy Rain
India is experiencing a 21% deficit in monsoon rainfall despite heavy rain in some areas.
The deficit is calculated based on the Long Period Average (LPA) of rainfall over several decades.
While the country has received significant rainfall in some regions, the overall rainfall is still below the expected level.
The deficit can be reduced with normal rainfall in the remaining months, but uneven distribution may not benefit all drought-affected areas.
The El Niño weather pattern adds uncertainty to the forecast, with the IMD projecting 2026 monsoon rainfall to be around 90% of the LPA.
India's monsoon rainfall is 21% below the expected level.
The deficit is calculated based on the Long Period Average (LPA).
Heavy rainfall in some areas does not offset the overall deficit.
Normal rainfall in the remaining months can reduce the deficit.
El Niño influences the monsoon, adding uncertainty to the forecast.
- Who
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- What
- Monsoon rainfall deficit of 21%
- When
- Current stage of the monsoon season
- Where
- Across India
- Why
- Due to uneven rainfall distribution and El Niño influence
Optimistic View
Pessimistic View
Rainfall Distribution
Optimistic View
The deficit can be reduced with normal rainfall in the remaining months.
Pessimistic View
Uneven distribution may not benefit all drought-affected areas.
- Current Monsoon Deficit
- 21%
- Long Period Average (LPA)
- 868.6 mm
- Current Rainfall Shortfall
- 76 mm
- Expected Rainfall for Remaining Season
- 500 mm
- Projected 2026 Monsoon Rainfall
- 90% of LPA