India’s 2026 Monsoon Ends 13% Below Average

India’s 2026 southwest monsoon ended with rainfall about 13% below its long-period average, the India Meteorological Department said, making it the fourth-lowest seasonal total since 2001. The country received about 759 millimeters from June through September, compared with a normal 868.6 millimeters, leaving water and farming concerns as the IMD forecasts below-normal rain across much of India in the coming months. The national total conceals sharp regional differences. IMD figures cited in the reports put rainfall at 76% of average in South Peninsular India and 74% in northeast India. Northwest India received 94.1% of its average and Central India 97%. Rainfall also varied over the season: June was 35.4% below normal, July was about 1% above normal, and August was 16.3% below normal. September’s rainfall was below average, though late-season showers narrowed the overall shortfall. The IMD expects October rainfall across India to be below normal, at less than 85% of its long-period average. Its October-to-December outlook is also for below-normal rainfall in most areas.