Monsoon Midpoint Analysis: Rainfall Deficit in 25% of Indian Regions

Halfway through the Monsoon season, 25 per cent of India's 36 meteorological subdivisions have experienced deficient rainfall. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country saw 9 per cent more rainfall than usual in July, with 306.6 mm compared to the normal 280.5 mm. Since June 1, cumulative precipitation has been 453.8 mm against the normal of 445.8 mm, showing a surplus of two per cent.

The rainfall distribution in July was uneven both spatially and temporally. East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and parts of the northeast recorded significant rainfall deficits. In contrast, Central India received 33 per cent more rainfall than normal in July, with 427.2 mm compared to the usual 321.3 mm.

Rainfall Deficits in Specific Regions

The deficit in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir ranged from 35 per cent to 45 per cent. The IMD data revealed that 13 subdivisions recorded above-average rainfall, 14 had normal precipitation, and nine experienced deficits. The shortfall in East and Northeast India increased from 13.3 per cent on June 30 to 19 per cent by July 31.

Northwest India saw a deficit of 13 per cent in July with only 182.4 mm of rainfall compared to the normal of 209.7 mm. So far this monsoon season, the region has received 235 mm of rainfall against the normal of 287.8 mm, resulting in an overall shortfall of 18 per cent.

Central and Southern Peninsula Rainfall

Central India has recorded a total of 574.2 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the normal of 491.6 mm. The southern peninsula also saw a significant increase with 36 per cent more rainfall in July, receiving 279.2 mm compared to the normal of 204.5 mm.

Overall, the southern peninsula has recorded 463.1 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the normal of 365.5 mm, marking an excess of 27 per cent.

The uneven distribution highlights regional disparities in monsoon patterns across India this year.