Rain deficit hits over one-third of India, including half of Assam’s districts

Nearly 35 percent of India's geographical area is experiencing a significant rain deficit as the southwest monsoon nears its final stage, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The country's rainfall for the season, which began on June 1, has been 13 percent below the expected levels. Throughout the season, rainfall has consistently fallen short of normal amounts.

However, central India, between Odisha and Gujarat, has seen prominent rainfall due to recurrent low pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal moving inland. Senior meteorologist O P Sreejith from the IMD noted that the rainfall distribution has been skewed at the district level. As of August 24, 412 districts across 14 states and union territories across southern peninsula, northeast, and parts of eastern and northwest India have recorded a rain deficit, making up the 35 percent.

States like Goa, Kerala, Punjab, and Rajasthan, which normally receive high or low rainfall, are all experiencing below-average rainfall this year. For instance, Goa's normal rainfall is 2,562mm, but this season it has received only 1,713.2mm, a 33 percent deficit. Similarly, Kerala's normal rainfall is 1,671.4mm, but only 1,283.3mm has been recorded, a 23 percent deficit.

Rajasthan, which receives monsoon rains last and sees them exit first, has received 268.3mm, a 22 percent deficit. In Assam, one of the worst flood-hit states, 19 of its 35 districts are experiencing a rain deficit. Meghalaya, which is 58 percent below normal rainfall, has one district with excess rainfall, while all other districts are in a rain deficit category.

Bihar has seen only three districts, out of 35, receive normal rainfall. In Andhra Pradesh, all districts, including Yanam and Rayalaseema, are in a rain deficit. Meanwhile, neighboring Odisha has received normal or above-average rainfall in all 30 districts. The IMD has forecast low pressure over Jharkhand to keep the monsoon active over west Uttar Pradesh, west Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh until August 29.

Meanwhile, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat will experience widespread heavy spells until the end of the month.