IMD Warns of Above-Normal Temperatures Across Most Parts of India

The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season of 2026, raising concerns for agriculture, water resources, and heat management across the country.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, M. Ravichandran said that seasonal rainfall during the June-September monsoon period is likely to be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error margin of plus or minus four per cent.

According to the forecast, rainfall is expected to remain normal over northeast India, while central India, the southern peninsula, and northwestern regions are likely to receive below-normal precipitation during the season.

Dr Ravichandran also noted that El Niño conditions are very likely to develop during the monsoon period. El Niño events are typically associated with reduced monsoon rainfall over India.

Speaking on the monthly outlook, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that rainfall during June is also expected to remain below normal across most parts of the country. However, some regions in northwest India, northeast India, and the southern peninsula may experience normal to above-normal rainfall.

The IMD has further predicted above-normal maximum temperatures across a large part of the country during June. Heatwave conditions are expected to be more intense and frequent in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.

Weather experts note that a weaker monsoon combined with prolonged heatwave conditions could impact crop production, reservoir levels, electricity demand, and overall economic activity, making close monitoring of weather developments crucial in the coming months.