Archive · 1 Sep 2026
El Niño Leaves Andhra Pradesh With 45 Percent Rainfall Deficit
Andhra Pradesh did not receive enough rain during the first three months of the monsoon.
The state got about 45 percent less rain than usual.
This shortage can make farming and drinking-water supplies more difficult.
All 28 districts were short of rainfall.
Annamayya, Prakasam and Bapatla had the most serious shortages.
Weather officials said El Niño contributed to the weak and uneven monsoon.
Farmers were worried that September might not bring much rain.
Kharif crops had been planted on 20.35 lakh hectares by the end of August.
Andhra Pradesh recorded 204.3 mm of rain from June 1 to August 31, against a normal 369.5 mm.
The state’s rainfall deficit reached nearly 45 percent by August 31, up from 38 percent at the end of July.
All 28 districts were rainfall-deficient, including severe deficits in Annamayya, Prakasam and Bapatla.
Poor rainfall affected agriculture and drinking-water availability, while farmers saw limited prospects for September rain.
Kharif sowing covered 20.35 lakh hectares out of a targeted 25.63 lakh hectares by August 31.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh farmers, residents and weather officials were affected or involved.
- What
- The state recorded a 45 percent rainfall deficit during the first three months of the southwest monsoon.
- When
- From June 1 through August 31; the report also discusses the 2026 Kharif season.
- Where
- Across Andhra Pradesh, India, including all 28 districts.
- Why
- Weather officials attributed the poor and uneven rainfall mainly to El Niño.
- Rainfall recorded
- 204.3 mm between June 1 and August 31
- Seasonal normal
- 369.5 mm for the same period
- Statewide deficit
- Nearly 45 percent by August 31
- National deficit
- India’s cumulative monsoon deficit was 14 percent at the end of August
- Affected districts
- All 28 districts were rainfall-deficient
- Severe-deficit districts
- Annamayya, Prakasam and Bapatla
- Kharif sowing
- 20.35 lakh hectares out of 25.63 lakh hectares