A massive 59 percent decline in winter rainfall

25-Feb-2026 10:54 AM

New Delhi. The latest data from the Meteorological Department shows that between January 1 and February 23 this year, the national average received approximately 59 percent less rainfall than the seasonal average.

The southern peninsula recorded a 24 percent rainfall deficit. Eastern and northeastern India, on the other hand, experienced a 92 percent rainfall deficit, the highest among other regions. Central India experienced a rainfall deficit of 81 percent and the northwestern states 48 percent. Southern states also received 24 percent rainfall.

Due to the activation of moist western disturbances, rains in the international border areas of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab resulted in a relatively small rainfall deficit. However, eastern and northeastern India did not receive any rain support.

Although snowfall occurred in the high altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, it was insufficient. Farmers in various states are resorting to artificial means to irrigate their rabi crops due to the regular rise in temperatures coupled with low rainfall.