The southwest monsoon is struggling to maintain momentum this year, with India recording a 42 per cent rainfall deficit between June 4 and June 18, according to the IMD.
The country received only 42.1 mm of rainfall during the period, well below the normal average of 72.2 mm. The deficit has triggered concerns about agriculture, drinking water supplies and reservoir levels.
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Maharashtra among worst-hit regions
Several states across central and peninsular India are experiencing below-normal rainfall. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have been particularly affected, with many districts recording sharp deficits.
Mumbai is also witnessing one of its driest Junes in recent years, while farmers in Vidarbha and central India continue to wait for adequate rainfall to begin sowing operations.
What’s causing the slowdown?
Experts say weak monsoon circulation is the primary reason behind the rainfall deficit. Rain clouds have largely remained concentrated over northern India and the western Himalayan belt, supported by western disturbances.
The Arabian Sea branch has failed to strengthen, while the Bay of Bengal branch has produced only isolated showers. Unless a strong low-pressure system develops soon, meteorologists warn that the rainfall deficit could continue through the second half of June, putting further pressure on farmers and water resources.
