IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Monsoon for 2026

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:00]India has the Southwest Monsoon may fall short this year. The India met Department has forecast below normal rainfall for the 2026 monsoon season, raising concerns of a farming output, water availability, and heat stress across several regions. The IMD has also warned of evolving El Nino conditions that could weaken rainfall activity during the crucial June to September period. More in this report.

[00:00:26]>> India may be headed for a weaker than usual monsoon this year with the India Meteorological Department forecasting below average rainfall for the first time in 3 years. In its updated long-range forecast, the IMD said Southwest monsoon rainfall during the June to September season is likely to remain at 90% of the long period average, placing it in the below normal category. According to the weather department, there is an 84% probability that the country could witness below normal or deficient rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season.

[00:01:02]>> The average rainfall for the country as a whole for during the month of June 2026 is most likely to be below normal. It is less than 92%.

[00:01:12]And also June 26 above not the temperature also it is most of places is uh maximum temperature expected most of the places and uh except some parts of central and northwest East India, the temperature will be maximum. That is more than uh normal.

[00:01:34]>> The forecast suggests that major parts of central India, northwest India, South Peninsular India, and the monsoon core zone, India's key rain-fed agricultural belt, are likely to face rainfall deficits. The IMD also expects June rainfall to remain below normal across most regions of the country. However, parts of northeast India, sections of northwest India, eastern parts of the South Peninsula, and isolated pockets of east and east central India may still receive normal to above normal rainfall.

[00:02:06]Meanwhile, rainfall activity is expected to intensify over Kerala till the 3rd of June. The IMD has cautioned that weaker monsoon rainfall could increase pressure on agriculture, drinking water supplies, and hydropower generation, while also raising the risk of drought and heat stress. Weather experts say evolving El Nino conditions over the equatorial Pacific are likely to strengthen during the monsoon season, a climate pattern typically associated with weaker monsoon rainfall over India.

[00:02:39]Bureau Report, DD India.

[00:02:43]>> Several heat wave conditions are prevailing across Suryapet district in the Indian state of Telangana with temperatures crossing 45°C and touching 46°C in the afternoon, prompting the issuance of a red alert by authorities.

[00:02:58]The health department has advised citizens to not only if necessary amid rising heatstroke cases.

[00:03:08]While the Met department has warned that the heat wave is likely to continue.

[00:03:12]Locals from Madiral Mandal said that the heat wave has made it difficult to step outside due to unbearable hot winds and extreme temperatures.

[00:03:24]>> Actually, the climate in in this district is 46° above.

[00:03:30]And we are unable to uh come out especially during the daytime.

[00:03:37]After 11:00 till 3:00, we are unable to come out.

[00:03:41]And it is very very hot.

[00:03:45]>> During daytime, it is very hot and hot air is coming. So, we are covering our faces with the scarf.

[00:03:53]So, you also must be careful and take the cool drinks and water bottles whenever you go out.