Despite the good progress of the monsoon, several areas are still experiencing a lack of rainfall

24-Jun-2025 12:31 PM

New Delhi. It has been a month since the southwest monsoon began its advance over the Indian mainland. The overall rainfall deficit at the national level has reduced to just 1 percent compared to the normal average.

However, significant shortfalls persist in several regions. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), from June 1 to 22, Vidarbha recorded 57 percent less rainfall than the long-term average.

Telangana and Chhattisgarh reported a 44 percent deficit, while Marathwada and Arunachal Pradesh saw 43 percent less rainfall. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam experienced a 36 percent shortfall. Assam and Meghalaya had 35 percent less rain, Lakshadweep 31 percent, Bihar 26 percent, and Uttarakhand 23 percent.

Heavy rains on June 23–24 in Madhya Pradesh not only caused flooding in agricultural fields but also helped narrow the rainfall deficit in central India.

The IMD forecasts continued rainfall in many parts of Madhya Pradesh for the next five days. Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are also expected to receive good rainfall for the next four days, with similar chances in Vidarbha.

Meanwhile, the monsoon has now reached Delhi, the National Capital Region, and surrounding states, having already covered Uttar Pradesh. As a result, there is a possibility that overall rainfall for June may exceed the normal average at the national level.

With improved rainfall in many parts of the country, the sowing of Kharif crops has started gaining momentum. On June 22–23, heavy rainfall was recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, eastern Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, Goa, and the Konkan region. The northernmost limit of the monsoon currently extends up to Jaipur.