India's Monsoon Rainfall Falls to 42.1 mm in June, 42% Below Normal 72.2 mm

India's southwest monsoon has lost momentum, with the country recording only 42.1 mm of rainfall between June 4 and June 18 against the normal 72.2 mm for the period, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The 42 per cent rainfall deficit is raising concerns over crop sowing, reservoir levels and water supply in several states.

The shortfall comes at a crucial stage of the monsoon season when farmers across the country begin sowing kharif crops. Weather experts warn that if rainfall activity does not improve soon, the deficit could have a significant impact on agriculture and water resources.

Rainfall Deficit Widens Across India

Several parts of central, eastern and peninsular India have reported below-normal rainfall so far this month. In some districts, rainfall has been deficient by as much as 90 per cent, disrupting farming activities and delaying sowing operations.

While parts of northwest India and the western Himalayan region have received above-normal rainfall, large sections of the country continue to experience dry conditions. The uneven distribution of rainfall has added to concerns among farmers who rely heavily on monsoon rains.

Why Is the Monsoon Slowing Down?

Meteorologists attribute the weak monsoon performance to sluggish monsoon circulation.

Satellite observations indicate that most rain-bearing clouds have remained concentrated over northern India and the western Himalayas due to active western disturbances. Meanwhile, states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of central India have witnessed limited cloud formation and reduced rainfall activity.

The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon has remained weak, while the Bay of Bengal branch has generated only scattered thunderstorms over eastern and northeastern India. The rainfall received so far has not been enough to bridge the growing deficit.

Maharashtra Among the Worst Affected

Maharashtra is among the states bearing the brunt of the weak monsoon. Mumbai is on course to record one of its driest Junes in more than a decade, while water conservation measures have reportedly been introduced in several areas.

The situation is also becoming increasingly challenging in Vidarbha and parts of central Madhya Pradesh, where farmers are waiting for adequate rainfall to support crop sowing and growth.

Can the Monsoon Recover?

Weather experts say a strong revival of both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal monsoon systems is needed to reduce the rainfall deficit.

The formation of a low-pressure system could help draw moisture inland and trigger widespread rainfall across deficit regions. However, current weather patterns do not yet indicate a strong and sustained revival.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the progress of the 2026 monsoon season. Meteorologists are closely monitoring moisture flow and the possibility of new weather systems developing over the seas.

If rainfall activity remains weak through late June, the deficit could continue to widen, affecting agriculture, reservoir storage and drinking water supplies across several states. For now, farmers and water managers are hoping for a significant turnaround as the monsoon enters its next phase.