Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 19: The annual southwest monsoon has reportedly been highly uneven with a severely dry June, a recovering July and an uncertain August likely to remain below normal this year, while regional disparities are significant with some states witnessing excess and others facing severe deficits.
Media reports, citing the assessments of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet, have stated that, “India’s 2026 monsoon shows a seasonal rainfall deficit of about 13% below the Long Period Average (LPA) as of August 16, with June extremely dry (–40%) and July slightly above normal (+4%).”
Media reports, citing Skymet Weather’s assessments on India’s current monsoon status as of early August this year, have stated that, “While the seasonal rainfall deficit stands at 13% below the Long Period Average (LPA), June 2026 remained driest with 40% deficit in over a decade, July rainfall was 4% above normal improving the deficit.”
Reporting on IMD’s long-range forecast highlights for this year, it has been stated that, “IMD’s updated long‑range forecast indicates seasonal rainfall around 90% of LPA, i.e., below normal. Neutral conditions transitioning to El Nino, typically associated with weaker monsoon performance, while Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to continue.”
Media reports, citing the IMD Hydromet Maps as of August 3, 2026, have also stated that, “State-wise departures show large variability with Kerala having recorded +197% large excess, Nagaland +153% large excess, Tamil Nadu +69% excess, Bihar -40% deficient, Madhya Pradesh -80% large deficient, Odisha -80% large deficient, Jharkhand -53% deficient, Uttar Pradesh -22% deficient.”
On the latest rainfall deficit in Assam, media reports have added that, “Assam has recorded a 28% rainfall deficit in the first half of this monsoon season despite the devastating floods, loss of lives and property. The IMD’s latest data shows that Assam has received 28% below-normal rainfall so far this season, highlighting the uneven distribution of monsoon precipitation across the state. The rainfall deficit was more pronounced in June, when Assam received 37% below-normal rainfall. The IMD attributes the erratic rainfall pattern to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal (BoB), the absence of active monsoon troughs, and the influence of El Nino.”
On the latest rainfall deficit in Odisha, media reports have futher added that, “Odisha is currently facing a 47% rainfall deficit as of June 2026, which is the second driest June in the state’s history. The deficit is widespread, with 29 out of the 30 districts reporting deficient rainfall. The situation is particularly alarming due to the geographical spread of the deficit, with nearly the entire state under rainfall stress.
Odisha is, at present, grappling with a fresh spell of flooding, with nearly 9.40 lakh people affected and 3.30 lakh evacuated. The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in several districts, indicating a critical situation that requires immediate attention and relief efforts.”
