News Capsule: Monsoon Starts Nearly 40% Below Normal as El Niño Disrupts Weather
18-Jun-2026 10:46 AM
News Capsule: Monsoon Starts Nearly 40% Below Normal as El Niño Disrupts Weather
★ India’s southwest monsoon has begun on a weak note, with rainfall nearly 40% below normal as of June 18. Weather experts warn that the impact of a strengthening El Niño could keep rainfall below normal across northwestern and central India during July and August.
★ The weak monsoon has raised concerns for kharif crops such as rice, soybean, and groundnut, while also affecting sectors dependent on seasonal rainfall, including construction, energy, and water management.
★ Meteorologists expect some improvement in rainfall next week as moist southwesterly winds support further monsoon advancement. However, current forecasts do not indicate a strong enough recovery to eliminate the existing rainfall deficit.
★ If dry conditions persist through July, soybean sowing could be delayed and crop yields may come under pressure. The developing El Niño is expected to be one of the strongest in recent years, increasing the risk of a weaker and more uneven monsoon season across India.