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Southwest Monsoon Yet To Withdraw As Northeast Records Rainfall Deficit
The rainy-season winds called the Southwest Monsoon have started leaving parts of western India.
However, officials have not yet confirmed that they have left Northeast India.
The region received much less rain than usual during the June-to-September season.
Meghalaya had the biggest shortage, receiving 60% less rain than normal.
Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam also had large shortages.
Some states, including Sikkim and Nagaland, received normal or higher-than-normal rainfall.
The monsoon arrived in Northeast India on June 7 and covered the whole region by June 10.
Farmers need monsoon rain to grow Kharif crops.
In Manipur, low rainfall and continuing ethnic conflict made farming especially difficult.
The India Meteorological Department has not confirmed the Southwest Monsoon’s withdrawal from Northeast India.
Northeast India recorded rainfall at 74% of its Long Period Average during June–September 2026, a 26% deficit.
Meghalaya had the largest shortfall at 60%, followed by Manipur at 46%, Arunachal Pradesh at 44% and Assam at 28%.
The monsoon reached Northeast India on June 7 and covered the entire region by June 10, officials said.
India’s overall monsoon rainfall was 759.4 mm, or 87% of its Long Period Average, the fourth-lowest total since 2001.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department, state officials and agricultural scientists.
- What
- The Southwest Monsoon has not yet been confirmed to have withdrawn from Northeast India, which recorded a 26% seasonal rainfall deficit.
- Where
- Northeast India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland.
- When
- The four-month monsoon season ran from June through September 2026; the update was issued on Friday.
- Why
- Withdrawal is confirmed only after five consecutive days without rainfall, the establishment of a lower-troposphere anticyclone and a considerable reduction in moisture.
Key facts
- Northeast rainfall deficit
- 26% below average during June–September 2026
- Northeast rainfall share of LPA
- 74% of its Long Period Average
- Largest state deficit
- Meghalaya recorded a 60% shortfall
- Monsoon arrival
- Reached substantial parts of the Northeast on June 7 and covered the entire region by June 10
- All-India rainfall
- 759.4 mm, or 87% of the Long Period Average
- East and Northeast rainfall
- 1,017.1 mm, the lowest recorded since 1901
- Withdrawal criteria
- Five rain-free days, a lower-troposphere anticyclone and reduced moisture
Quotes
Senior Manipur Agriculture Department official
An unnamed senior official of the Manipur Agriculture Department
“However, the state government has taken adequate arrangements and other supportive measures to facilitate farming activities in both the Imphal Valley and the hill districts during the Kharif cropping season.”
thehansindia.com
“Last year (2025), the Southwest Monsoon withdrew from the Northeastern region on October 14.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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