Mint Explainer: South India pins hopes on Northeast Monsoon for rain relief | Today’s news

How did the Southwest Monsoon affect itself?

India’s southwest monsoon rainfall in 2026 was 87% of the long-term average (LPA), with a cumulative rainfall of 759.4 mm during June to September, the fourth lowest since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Southern peninsular India – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana – experienced a significant deficit during the season precipitation. With 542.0 mm of rainfall, 76% of LPA, the region recorded its fourth lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901 and second lowest since 2001. In contrast, central India fell below normal rainfall at 97% of LPA, while northwest India and northeast India recorded 94.1% and 74%, respectively.