The southwest monsoon has picked up pace across much of the country, reducing India’s overall rainfall deficit after a slow start to the season. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the nationwide shortfall has narrowed to 19 per cent, helped by widespread showers across central, western and eastern India.

Between June 4 and July 8, India received 179.4 mm of rainfall against the normal 222 mm. The improvement marks a significant recovery from the larger deficits seen through much of June.

Several states see monsoon recovery

Rainfall has improved across several major states, with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal now reporting near-normal monsoon conditions.

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The recovery has been supported by active weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and favourable monsoon circulation. Satellite imagery from INSAT-3DS on Wednesday showed extensive cloud cover over central and eastern India, indicating continued rainfall activity. Fresh weather systems developing over the Bay of Bengal are expected to keep rain active across many regions over the next few days.

The stronger monsoon spell has also helped several states erase the rainfall deficits recorded earlier in the season.

Delhi and northern states continue to lag

Despite the nationwide improvement, the rainfall pattern remains uneven.

Delhi continues to face one of the biggest shortfalls in the country. Between June 4 and July 8, the national capital received only 47.3 mm of rainfall against the normal 96.1 mm, leaving it with a 51 per cent deficit even after the monsoon reached the city.

Neighbouring states are also reporting below-normal rainfall. Uttar Pradesh has a 42 per cent deficit, Bihar 56 per cent, Punjab 31 per cent and Haryana 29 per cent. Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala are also experiencing rainfall below seasonal averages.

In the Northeast, rainfall has varied across states. Sikkim and Tripura have received normal rainfall, while Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur continue to record deficits.

Commuters make their way through glistening roads at Matunga East as the rain lashes parts of the city, in Mumbai | File image/ANI
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More rain likely, but concerns remain

Meteorologists attribute the recent improvement to multiple low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal along with an active offshore trough along India’s west coast.

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While the revival has prevented the national rainfall deficit from worsening after one of the weakest starts to the monsoon in decades, weather experts say the season remains uneven. Continued rainfall over the northern plains will be important in the coming weeks, particularly for groundwater recharge, reservoir levels and agricultural activity in deficit-hit regions.

FAQs:

What is India’s overall rainfall deficit now?

According to IMD data, India’s cumulative rainfall deficit has reduced to 19%.

Why is Delhi still facing a large rainfall deficit?

Delhi received only 47.3 mm of rain against the normal 96.1 mm between June 4 and July 8, leaving it with a 51% deficit.