India forecasts monsoon rains at 11-year low in 2026, fanning inflation risk
The forecast cut comes as a likely El Niño pattern threatens rainfall for hundreds of millions of farmers who depend on the June-September season.
- Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran announced Friday that India lowered the Monsoon forecast to 90% of the long-term average, revising the previous 92% estimate issued in April.
- The IMD warns of a 60% chance of 'deficient' rainfall as a likely El Niño weather pattern is expected to reduce precipitation across Northwest, central and southern India.
- Hundreds of millions of farmers in India depend on the June-September Monsoon season, which delivers the bulk of annual rainfall crucial for irrigation as the planting period begins.
- Lower-than-Normal rains may force farmers to rely more on diesel-powered irrigation pumps, lifting fuel demand as Crude oil prices surge due to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Monsoon reaches India's southern tip around June 1, moving northward to cover the entire subcontinent over the next four to six weeks, though the IMD expects delayed arrival in Kerala.
25 Articles
25 Articles
El Nino To Arrive During India Monsoon, Expected To Strengthen Till September: IMD Chief | 📰 LatestLY
India could witness its weakest monsoon rainfall in three years as El Nino is now confirmed to develop during the 2026 monsoon season, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. 📰 El Nino To Arrive During India Monsoon, Expected To Strengthen Till September: IMD Chief.
Deccan Chronicle
Greater KashmirIndia May See 90% of Long Period Average Rainfall This Monsoon: IMD
While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall this monsoon season, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall, forecast said
Monsoon Tracker: IMD says India will see less than average rainfall even as it sounds heatwave alarm
The India Meteorological Department has revised its monsoon forecast, saying the country is likely to receive 90% of the long-period average rainfall this season. While Northeast India is expected to witness normal rainfall, most other regions may experience below-normal precipitation.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
