Signs of Weakening Monsoon Conditions in Central India

10-Jul-2026 06:02 PM

Nagpur: Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that on July 8 this year, the country received 12.2 mm of rainfall, which was 59 percent higher than the normal average of 8.8 mm. However, the cumulative rainfall from June 1 to July 8 stood at 195.5 mm, which is 15 percent below the Long Period Average (LPA) of 230.4 mm.

During the first eight days of the current month, rainfall exceeding the normal average was recorded in the central and northwestern parts of the country, receiving 18.5 mm and 9.5 mm of rain, respectively. The eastern and northeastern regions received 11.6 mm of rainfall, which was roughly equal to the normal average. South India also recorded normal rainfall of 6.3 mm.

According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon had been active in central India over the past few days, but its activity, momentum, and intensity are now likely to decrease significantly. Consequently, the monsoon's progress has slowed down in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, and is expected to remain sluggish for the next few days.

Farmers in several parts of Maharashtra are now expected to benefit significantly in sowing Kharif crops due to the recent heavy rainfall. However, the acreage under Kharif crops in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan is currently lagging significantly behind last year's figures.

According to the Meteorological Department, a well-marked low-pressure area had formed over northwestern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining parts of Uttar Pradesh; this system is now moving towards western Uttar Pradesh. In view of this, the department has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh over the next 24 hours. Torrential rainfall is also likely in the surrounding states.