This year's monsoon set to be the fifth weakest in 126 years

23-Jul-2026 04:31 PM

New Delhi. Amid growing concerns regarding an extremely powerful or "Super El Niño," the southwest monsoon this year could prove to be the weakest—or result in a drought-like season—seen in the last 126 years. States such as Bihar, Telangana, and Kerala are likely to bear the brunt of this impact. Rainfall during June and July was significantly below the normal average. While the rainfall deficit stood at 37 percent in June, it narrowed to 21 percent by July 21.

Data covering the period from June 1 to July 17 reveals that approximately 60 percent of the country's 741 districts experienced deficient or scanty monsoon rainfall. By that time, 95 percent of Bihar's 38 districts were facing a rainfall deficit. Similarly, a shortage of rain was recorded in 86 percent of Kerala's districts and 85 percent of Telangana's districts.

Furthermore, between 64 and 81 percent of districts in Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Punjab also received below-normal rainfall. Although the monsoon has since become active in several states—bringing good rainfall—an overall deficit persists. The lack of adequate rain is having a serious adverse effect on the sowing of Kharif crops.