Monsoon Revives After 46% Rain Deficit
India’s southwest monsoon has started moving again after nearly two weeks of weak activity, but the delay has already created a major rainfall gap. With June rainfall running 46% below normal, farmers and water managers are watching the next few days closely.
India Monsoon Rain Deficit Reaches 46%
According to latest weather data, India received 53.1 mm rainfall between June 4 and June 22 against the normal 97.6 mm for the period. This leaves the country with a 46% rainfall deficit during a crucial phase of the monsoon season.
While some reports have described June 2026 as the driest June in 146 years, the month is not yet complete. A more accurate assessment is that June 2026 is currently on track to be among the weakest June monsoon periods in over a century if the deficit continues.
Southwest Monsoon Moves Towards Mumbai
After a long pause, moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea have begun pushing into Mumbai, its suburbs and parts of south Gujarat. Weather conditions suggest that rainfall may increase over Maharashtra, Gujarat and central India in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The revival is important because the monsoon had stalled after its initial advance, leaving large parts of central, western and peninsular India dry.
Kharif Sowing Faces Rainfall Pressure
The weak monsoon has raised concerns over kharif sowing, heat stress and water availability. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are among the key agricultural states waiting for sustained rainfall.
Maharashtra and Gujarat have recorded some of the sharpest deficits, while parts of central India remain in the deficient or large-deficient category. The coming week will be critical in determining whether the monsoon can recover lost ground.
