India Records 14% Deficient Monsoon Rainfall During June-August 2026

India received 603.7 mm of rainfall during the first three months of the 2026 monsoon season, marking a 14 per cent deficit against the long-period average (LPA) of 700.7 mm, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The three-month period saw fluctuating weather patterns across the country. June began with a 35 per cent deficient rainfall, followed by July, which recorded a 1 per cent surplus. However, August ended with rainfall levels at 16 per cent below normal.

Geographically, the distribution of rainfall varied across regions and subdivisions. IMD data shows that 17 meteorological subdivisions are currently deficient, while 18 have recorded normal rainfall. Odisha stands out as the only state with excess rainfall during the June-August period, registering a 26 per cent increase above normal levels.

Among all states and union territories, 14 have been classified as deficient. This list includes Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, and Assam. The remaining states and union territories have received normal or higher precipitation.

Regional data further highlights the uneven distribution of rainfall across the country. The east and north-east region recorded 26 per cent less rainfall, while the south peninsula saw a deficit of 24 per cent. Meanwhile, the north-west region reported an 11 per cent deficit, and central India experienced a relatively smaller reduction, with rainfall 4 per cent lower than normal.

"The uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall, particularly the 14 per cent overall deficit and significant shortages in key agricultural states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab during the June-August period, poses immediate challenges for India's rural economy. Businesses operating in the agricultural, FMCG, and rural supply chain sectors need to closely monitor these weather patterns, as deficient rainfall can directly impact rural demand, crop yields, and input costs in the coming quarters." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes