Rainfall deficit narrows as monsoon activity intensifies across several states

23-Jul-2026 12:57 PM

New Delhi. The rainfall deficit at the national level has narrowed this week due to the increased intensity and momentum of the Southwest Monsoon across various parts of the country, particularly in the western and northwestern states. Central and eastern regions of the country are also receiving good rainfall this week.

According to the Meteorological Department, the rainfall deficit has now dropped to 21 percent. The highest rainfall during the current week was recorded in eastern India and the northeastern states, where the deficit narrowed to 32 percent. The southern peninsula recorded rainfall 26 percent below the normal average, while deficits of 13 percent and 18 percent were recorded in the central region and northwestern states, respectively.

Under Meteorological Department norms, rainfall ranging from 19 percent below to 19 percent above the Long Period Average (LPA) is classified as 'normal'. Based on this criterion, the rainfall in northwestern India and the central states is considered normal. However, the rainfall in the southern peninsula, as well as in eastern and northeastern India, is classified as below normal.

The Meteorological Department expects monsoon activity to remain vigorous over the next few days. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with intense downpours in some areas, is likely in eastern Gujarat over the next two days. Similar rainfall is expected in central Maharashtra. Konkan and Goa also received heavy rainfall yesterday.

A cyclonic circulation lies over the central-northern part of Madhya Pradesh, and moisture-laden winds are flowing from the Arabian Sea in a south-westerly direction. Consequently, rainfall is expected in southern Gujarat, Konkan, Mumbai, and western Maharashtra.