Meghalaya, home to some of the wettest locations on Earth including Sohra and Mawsynram, experienced a surprisingly dry August as the state registered an overall rainfall shortfall of 38 per cent, according to figures released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Official meteorological data indicates that Meghalaya accumulated just 359.7 mm of precipitation throughout August. This figure sits substantially below the state's seasonal monthly benchmark of 581.6 mm. The shortfall was widespread across the region, affecting 8 out of Meghalaya's 11 administrative districts.
District-Wise Breakdown of Rainfall Shortfall
West Jaintia Hills registered the sharpest drop in precipitation across the state, logging a severe deficit of 75 per cent. West Garo Hills followed closely with a 72 per cent shortfall, while West Khasi Hills and North Garo Hills recorded deficits of 60 per cent and 58 per cent respectively.
In East Khasi Hills, the district encompassing the famed rainfall hotspots of Sohra and Mawsynram, precipitation levels fell 42 per cent below the monthly normal. Meanwhile, East Garo Hills and Ri Bhoi both recorded a 22 per cent deficit, and East Jaintia Hills experienced a 24 per cent shortfall.
South Garo Hills remained closest to historical averages, recording rainfall just 9 per cent below normal. Conversely, South West Khasi Hills stood out as a major exception by logging a massive 155 per cent rainfall surplus, the highest anywhere in the state during August. Rainfall data for South West Garo Hills was not available for the month.
Monsoon Trend from June to August
The dismal August figures follow a shifting monsoon pattern across northeastern India over the summer months. Precipitation in June stayed close to seasonal norms before worsening in July, when the state recorded a 9 per cent deficit. During July, North Garo Hills suffered the highest regional drop at 22 per cent, while South West Garo Hills received normal rainfall. The escalation to a 38 per cent shortfall in August highlights a sharp deterioration in monsoon strength across the state.
