A drier monsoon is on the way: IMD predicts below-normal rains this year
Mint·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
India's Meteorological Department forecasted below-normal monsoon rains at 92% of the 50-year average for 2026, with a margin of error of plus-minus 5%. Deficit rainfall threatens agricultural productivity, rural incomes, and economic growth. The southwest monsoon provides over 70% of India's annual precipitation. Only 55% of cultivated land is irrigated; remaining areas depend on monsoon rains. Private forecaster Skymet also predicted below-normal monsoon at 94% of long-period average.
Key Entities
India Meteorological Department (IMD)Southwest monsoonAgricultural sectorLong-period average (LPA)SkymetReserve Bank of India (RBI)Kharif crops