Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Assam recorded a 26 percent rainfall deficit during the first half of the monsoon season. This shortfall persists despite the state enduring weeks of devastating floods throughout July. The India Meteorological Department confirmed the data yesterday.
Uneven weather caused these contradictions. Five of the eight Northeastern states received below-normal rainfall during June and July. Meghalaya led the region with a 58 percent deficit. Arunachal Pradesh followed at 38 percent, Manipur at 41 percent, and Mizoram at 24 percent. Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim managed to hit normal rainfall levels.
June hit the region hardest. Assam suffered a 37 percent deficit that month. Nagaland dropped 56 percent, Arunachal Pradesh fell 44 percent, and Mizoram lost 37 percent. Meghalaya and Manipur fell into the large deficient category with 74 percent and 71 percent shortfalls respectively. The broader region, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, saw an overall deficiency topping 30 percent.
The monsoon reached the Northeast on June 7, two days behind schedule. It covered the area by June 10. Experts point to weak systems over the Bay of Bengal, an absence of monsoon troughs, and El Niño influence. Meteorologists stated, "Adequate rainfall during the remaining monsoon months would be crucial for Kharif cultivation and replenishing rivers, reservoirs and groundwater resources across the Northeast."
Forecasters expect below-normal rain nationwide for the August to September period. However, Northeast India may see normal or above-normal levels. A stronger El Niño remains on the horizon for late 2026. This shift could trigger hotter, drier conditions across large parts of Asia.
Comments