Why June 2026 Became One of India’s Driest Months in More Than a Century
India recorded its fifth-driest June since 1901, with the IMD reporting just 99.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 165.3 mm, resulting in a 40% rainfall deficit. The delayed southwest monsoon affected kharif sowing and prolonged heatwave conditions. However, the IMD says the monsoon is regaining momentum, with widespread rainfall expected across several regions in early July.
India recorded its fifth-driest June since rainfall records began in 1901, with a sluggish southwest monsoon leaving the country with a 40% rainfall deficit during the month. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country received just 99.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 30, significantly below the normal 165.3 mm, making June 2026 one of the driest in more than a century.
The delayed advance of the southwest monsoon led to prolonged dry conditions across large parts of the country, affecting kharif sowing and extending heatwave conditions over several regions. However, the IMD said the monsoon has started regaining momentum and is expected to advance further in the coming days. Mumbai Weather Forecast and Update: IMD Issues Orange Alert As Heavy Rain Lashes City; Red Alert in Palghar.
Fifth-Lowest June Rainfall Since 1901
According to IMD data, only four years recorded lower June rainfall than 2026:
- 2009: 87.6 mm
- 1905: 91.9 mm
- 2014: 92.8 mm
- 1926: 96.7 mm
With 99.5 mm of rainfall this year, June 2026 ranks as the fifth-lowest June rainfall month in the country's recorded history. Is El Niño a Threat to India’s Monsoon This Season?
Which Regions Were Worst Affected?
Central India recorded the sharpest rainfall deficit during June, receiving 84.4 mm against the normal 170.3 mm, leaving the region with a 50% deficit. Northwest India ended the month with a 31% rainfall deficit, while the South Peninsula recorded 27% below-normal rainfall.
Several states also reported significant shortfalls:
- Gujarat: 82% deficit
- Chhattisgarh: 65% deficit
- Jharkhand: 59% deficit
- Uttar Pradesh: 50% deficit
- Delhi: 49% deficit
- Bihar: 47% deficit
- Punjab: 47% deficit
- Maharashtra: 47% deficit
- Kerala: 34% deficit
Impact on Agriculture and Weather
The weak monsoon has already begun affecting kharif crop sowing in several states due to inadequate soil moisture.
The delayed rains also allowed heatwave conditions to persist across north and central India for much of June, as the southwest monsoon struggled to move inland.
Monsoon Showing Signs of Revival
Despite the poor June performance, the IMD said the southwest monsoon has begun advancing again. On June 30, the monsoon progressed into additional parts of Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh, most of Uttarakhand, and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
According to the weather office, conditions are favourable for further advancement over the next two to three days into:
- More parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
- Entire Daman and Diu region
- Remaining parts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
- Entire Jammu and Kashmir
- Most of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab
- Parts of Rajasthan
Meteorologists expect fresh low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and a southward shift of the monsoon trough during the first week of July to revive rainfall across central, western and northern India. If these weather systems develop as forecast, they could help narrow the rainfall deficit after one of the driest Junes recorded in India since 1901.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 06:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
