India concluded June 2026 with an overall rainfall deficit of 40 per cent, marking one of the weakest openings to the southwest monsoon observed in recent years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the nation received 99.5 mm of rainfall from June 1 to June 30, compared to the normal average of 165.3 mm. This significant shortfall has left many regions waiting for substantial rain throughout the month.

Central India Faces Severe Shortfall

The central region of India reported the most severe impact, with rainfall plummeting by 50 per cent below the expected levels. Specifically, the area received only 84.4 mm of precipitation instead of the normal 170.3 mm, categorising it as the worst-performing meteorological division in June. Such a dramatic decline in rainfall has raised concerns over potential impacts on agriculture and local water supplies.

The slow progression of the southwest monsoon, in conjunction with a lack of robust low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal for a considerable portion of June, has delayed widespread rainfall in both central and northern regions. The extended dry period has exacerbated conditions, particularly in agriculture, and heightened heatwave situations in various states.

Northwest India also encountered a significant rainfall deficiency of 31 per cent, receiving a total of 53.7 mm against the seasonal normal of 78.1 mm. This delayed monsoon onset resulted in persistent heatwave conditions affecting Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and western Rajasthan for most of the month before meteorological systems began to show improvement towards the end of June.

Impact Across the Nation

At the individual state level, several states bore the brunt of the shortfall. Jharkhand experienced an alarming 59 per cent deficit, while Chhattisgarh faced a 65 per cent reduction. Gujarat recorded an 82 per cent shortfall, and both Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu experienced an extraordinary 84 per cent rainfall deficiency. Other northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab also reported considerable deficits ranging from 29 per cent to 50 per cent.

Conversely, a few regions defied the trend of rainfall shortages. Ladakh saw a substantial 126 per cent excess rainfall, whereas Sikkim reported an 18 per cent surplus. West Bengal noted a 52 per cent increase, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands finished the month with a 40 per cent surplus in rainfall.

Future Expectations for Rainfall

Meteorologists anticipate a revival in monsoon activity during the first week of July. This is forecasted to occur as the monsoon trough transitions southward and new low-pressure systems develop over the Bay of Bengal. The renewed rainfall activity is expected to provide much-needed relief across central, northern, and western parts of India, following a notably rain-deprived June.

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