# Northeast India Registers Driest Monsoon Since 1901 as Seasonal Rainfall Hits Record Low > Official weather data shows East and Northeast India received only 1,017.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, marking the region's lowest precipitation in 125 years. **Type:** article · **Category:** Meghalaya · **Published:** 2026-10-01 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/meghalaya/northeast-india-men-125-sala-ka-sabase-sukha-manasuna-juna-se-sitnbara-taka-hui-rikorda-kama-barisha-41194 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Northeast India, Monsoon 2026, IMD, Rainfall Deficit, Assam, Meghalaya, Temperature East and Northeast India logged their lowest southwest monsoon rainfall in 125 years during the June to September window this year. Official figures from the India Meteorological Department show that the region accumulated only 1,017.1 mm of precipitation across the four-month cycle. Since systematic record-keeping commenced in 1901, rainfall numbers for the region have never dipped this low, underscoring an unprecedented dry spell in a belt traditionally known for heavy downpours. ## Sustained Rainfall Shortfall Across Key States The deficiency remained persistent throughout the entire season across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. All three meteorological subdivisions logged rainfall deficits during every single month from June through September. While scattered episodes of intense downpours took place in portions of Assam toward the end of September, the weather department noted that these late showers were far too limited to offset the massive deficit built up over the preceding months. ## India Records 13th Driest Monsoon on Record The severe regional shortfall aligned with below-average monsoon performance nationwide. Across the country, total rainfall stood at 759.4 mm for the June to September duration. This places the season as the 13th driest across India since 1901, and the fourth driest observed since 2001. Prolonged moisture deficits of this scale pose serious operational hurdles for agrarian cycles, ground and surface water reserves, and broader seasonal livelihoods that depend heavily on timely rains. ## Elevated September Heat and the Outlook for October Alongside diminished rains, the region endured unseasonably elevated warmth throughout September. East and Northeast India logged a monthly mean temperature of 27.95 degrees Celsius, running 0.74 degrees above normal values. That level ranks as the sixth-highest mean temperature recorded for September since 1901. Looking ahead to October, the weather bureau forecasts below-normal precipitation across most parts of the country, though scattered pockets in East India could see normal to above-normal showers. Maximum daytime temperatures across the Northeast are anticipated to hover near normal ranges, while night-time minimums are expected to track near or below normal levels as post-monsoon conditions set in. ## What this means for you The unprecedented rainfall deficit directly impacts seasonal crop output, reservoir levels, and regional water security. - **Across India:** Nationwide seasonal rainfall of 759.4 mm signals lower water accumulation in major reservoirs across multiple river basins. This trend will require prudent water budgeting for winter crop irrigation and municipal supplies. - **In the Northeast:** Sustained monthly deficits across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh could stress local drinking water infrastructure and agriculture. Residents and local authorities may face tighter water management demands going into the post-monsoon months. - **For farmers:** Rainfed agricultural operations will need to adapt to moisture-deficient soil conditions. Growers may need to adjust harvest schedules and plan around lower residual soil moisture. - **For daily life:** After September recorded its sixth-warmest mean temperature at 27.95 degrees Celsius, cooler night temperatures are expected in October. Households should prepare for seasonal temperature transitions as post-monsoon weather sets in. ## Why this happened The record-breaking seasonal deficit stemmed from persistent suppression of rain-bearing monsoon currents across all four months of the season. - **Consistent monthly shortfall:** Rain-producing systems failed to sustain regular precipitation across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh throughout June, July, August, and September. Every single month of the season experienced below-normal rainfall in these subdivisions. - **Broader national deficit:** The regional dry spell coincided with an overall weak southwest monsoon across India, which recorded 759.4 mm overall. Broad-scale atmospheric patterns kept precipitation subdued over large tracts of the country throughout 2026. - **Late showers proved insufficient:** Isolated spells of intense rainfall in Assam toward late September could not overcome the season-long gap. The volume generated during those final days was inadequate to correct the severe shortfall accumulated since June. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. How much rainfall did East and Northeast India receive during the monsoon season? The region received 1,017.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, marking the lowest recorded level since 1901. ### 2. Which states experienced persistent rainfall deficits throughout the season? Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh recorded deficient rainfall in all four monsoon months. ### 3. What was the total monsoon rainfall across India during this period? India logged 759.4 mm of rainfall between June and September, making it the 13th driest season since 1901. ### 4. How did temperatures behave in the region during September? The mean temperature reached 27.95 degrees Celsius, which was 0.74 degrees above normal and the sixth-highest September reading since 1901. ### 5. What is the precipitation forecast for October? Rainfall across most of India is expected to remain below normal in October, though isolated parts of East India may record normal to above-normal precipitation. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._