Archive · 1 Oct 2026
India’s Monsoon Rainfall Hits Decade Low, 12.6% Below Average
India gets much of its rain during the June-to-September monsoon season.
This year, it received 12.6% less rain than the long-term average.
That made it the weakest monsoon in more than a decade.
The shortfall was also described as the largest since 2015.
Weather officials said El Niño helped weaken the rainfall.
El Niño is a warming pattern in parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Southern peninsular India had the largest regional deficit, at 28%.
Maharashtra declared 265 areas affected by drought and began relief measures.
El Niño was expected to strengthen, and much of India could be drier than usual from October to December.
India received 12.6% less rainfall than average during the June-September monsoon season.
The shortfall was described as the country’s weakest monsoon in more than a decade and the sharpest since 2015.
The India Meteorological Department said El Niño contributed to the below-average precipitation.
The department reported a 15% rainfall deficit between June 1 and September 13.
Southern peninsular India had a 28% deficit, while East and Northeast India recorded a 25% deficit; Maharashtra declared 265 talukas drought-affected.
- Who
- India, the India Meteorological Department, and residents and farmers in affected areas.
- What
- India recorded monsoon rainfall 12.6% below the long-term average, its weakest monsoon in more than a decade.
- When
- During the June-to-September monsoon season; Maharashtra declared 265 talukas drought-affected on September 26.
- Where
- Across India, with the largest reported deficits in southern peninsular India, East and Northeast India, and parts of Maharashtra.
- Why
- El Niño contributed to weaker precipitation; officials also expected the pattern to bring drier-than-usual conditions in much of India from October to December.
- Seasonal rainfall
- 12.6% below the long-term average from June through September
- Monsoon ranking
- Weakest in more than a decade; the sharpest shortfall since 2015
- Early-season measurement
- 15% below normal between June 1 and September 13
- Largest regional deficit
- Southern peninsular India, at 28% below normal
- East and Northeast deficit
- 25% below normal
- Maharashtra drought declaration
- 265 talukas declared drought-affected on September 26
- Forecast
- October-December was expected to be drier than usual in most areas, with some southern and northwestern areas potentially differing
