New Delhi: India has just experienced the fifth-driest June in a century and a quarter.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), June 2026 saw the fifth-lowest rainfall in the year’s sixth month since 1901 as a sluggish southwest monsoon left several parts of the country with an acute rain deficit.
IMD said at a press conference on Tuesday that India received 99.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 30, against the normal 165.3 mm — an overall rainfall deficit of 40 per cent.
Only four years — 2009 (87.6 mm), 1905 (91.9 mm), 2014 (92.8 mm) and 1926 (96.7 mm) — recorded lower June rainfall than this year since 1901, IMD said.
The worst-hit region was central, northeast and most of south India.
Regionwise, central India had a 50% rainfall deficit in June, receiving 84.4 mm against the normal 170.3 mm. Northwest India recorded a 31% deficit, while the South Peninsula was 27% below normal.
As for state-wise breakup, Odisha was among several which had alarming rainfall shortages.
During June, Odisha recorded a 47% deficit, with 110 mm of rainfall.
Gujarat was the most miserable state with an 82% deficit.
Chhattisgarh recorded 65% below-normal rainfall, Jharkhand had a 59% shortfall, Uttar Pradesh (-50%), Delhi (-49%), Bihar (-47%), Punjab (-47%), Maharashtra (-47%) and Kerala (-34%) were also rain deficient.
The encouraging news is that monsoon has begun regaining momentum.
On June 30, the southwest monsoon advanced into more parts of Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh, most of Uttarakhand, and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, IMD said.
