India Faces Lowest Ever Monsoon Forecast as IMD Drops Rain Estimates to 90%
India Faces Lowest Ever Monsoon Forecast as IMD Drops Rain Estimates to 90%
Brace yourself for a drier season. The IMD has lowered India's monsoon forecast to a record low of 90%, with heatwaves and delays expected this June.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a sobering update for the upcoming 2026 monsoon season, slashing its rainfall estimates to just 90% of the Long Period Average. This revision follows an earlier forecast of 92% in April, making it the lowest prediction the department has ever released in the lead-up to the monsoon.
The news comes as a double blow for many across the country. Not only is the volume of rain expected to be lower, but the arrival of the monsoon has also been pushed back. Originally anticipated to hit Kerala by May 26, the life-giving rains are now likely to arrive only in the first week of June. This delay means an extended period of wait for farmers and city dwellers alike.
To make matters worse, June is projected to be particularly brutal. The IMD has warned of above-normal heatwave days across several regions, suggesting that the peak of summer will persist longer than usual. With rainfall figures dipping into the 'below normal' category, concerns are rising regarding water security and agricultural output for the year.
While the department will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions, the current projections suggest a challenging season ahead. Citizens are advised to prepare for a hotter-than-average start to the month as the nation waits for the revised monsoon timeline to take effect.
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