Shillong: Meghalaya is bone dry. The state, famous for hosting the wettest spots on the planet, recorded a 74 percent rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 1. India Meteorological Department data shows the region received only 192.9 mm of rain against a normal level of 750.8 mm. This classifies the state as large deficient.
The shortfall is extreme. On July 1 alone, the state saw a 90 percent drop in expected precipitation. This hits home hard, as towns like Sohra and Mawsynram usually anchor the global rainfall charts.
Farmers are feeling the pinch during the critical kharif season. A prolonged dry spell threatens paddy and horticulture yields by draining soil moisture. Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Environment Committee Chairman Rakkam A. Sangma previously flagged these risks. He said the state was witnessing "rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, increasing water scarcity and declining rainfall due to climate change."
The dry trend is widespread. East and Northeast India recorded a 40 percent deficit overall. Manipur follows Meghalaya with a 71 percent shortfall, while Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh also struggle. Only Sikkim avoided the trend, recording a 15 percent surplus. Experts fear the lack of water will drain groundwater, shrink river flows, and hurt the local tourism economy.
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