New Delhi, May 29. The Meteorological Department (IMD) released its second long-term forecast for the 2026 southwest monsoon (June to September) on Friday. According to this, monsoon rainfall is expected to be below normal in many major parts of the country this year.
According to the weather department, the monsoon across the country may reach 90 percent of the long-term average. This indicates a below-normal monsoon. According to the department, this percentage may vary by four percent.
The weather department stated that monsoon conditions in northeastern India are expected to be normal, with rainfall likely between 94 and 106 percent of the long-term average. Meanwhile, in northwestern India, overall rainfall is expected to be below normal (less than 92 percent of the long-term average).
Additionally, the monsoon pace may remain sluggish in central India, with rainfall forecast to be below normal (less than 94 percent of the long-term average). In the southern peninsular region of India, monsoon conditions may also be below normal (below 94 percent of the long-term average).
According to the weather department, the country’s ‘monsoon core zone,’ which includes most of the rain-dependent agricultural areas, is most likely to see monsoon rainfall at 94 percent of the long-term average, which is below normal this year.
The weather department has issued this second forecast considering the four-month period from June to September. The first forecast was released on April 13. In that, the weather department had also stated that the 2026 monsoon could be below normal or weak. According to the weather department, temperatures across the country may remain above normal.
