Eastern and northeastern regions of India experienced an unprecedented rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon, marking the driest seasonal run in 125 years. Across the four-month stretch from June to September, the territory gathered merely 1,017.1 mm of precipitation. Ever since systematic rainfall measurements began in 1901, the 2026 seasonal volume stands as the lowest ever recorded in the region. This sharp downturn represents a massive departure from the heavy precipitation patterns historically associated with the geography.
Deficits Persisted Across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh
The deficiency remained unbroken across key northeastern territories throughout the four-month period. All three meteorological subdivisions encompassing Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh recorded subpar rainfall across June, July, August, and September. Such prolonged dryness holds immense significance because the northeast traditionally ranks among the wettest belts in the country. Its agricultural cycles, regional water reservoirs, and primary economic activities rely extensively on the timely arrival and persistence of the southwest monsoon.
All-India Monsoon Totals Drop Below Long-Term Normal
Precipitation shortfalls were evident on a nationwide scale as well, with the four-month monsoon concluding below normal levels across India. Across the entire country, total rainfall between June and September reached 759.4 mm. Consequently, the 2026 season became the 13th driest monsoon nationwide since 1901, while ranking as the fourth driest spell witnessed since 2001.
Late September Downpours Failed to Erase Heavy Seasonal Deficit
The severity of the dry spell in the northeast diverged significantly from the broader national situation. Isolated bursts of heavy to very heavy rainfall hit Assam towards the end of September, yet they did little to change the overarching regional deficit. These concentrated downpours arrived far too late and proved insufficient to bridge the gap built up across preceding months. Alongside the missing rain, eastern and northeastern parts witnessed unusually high temperatures during September. The regional average temperature climbed to 27.95 degrees Celsius, surpassing the normal benchmark by 0.74 degrees Celsius and ranking as the sixth warmest September recorded since 1901.
Mixed Outlook Ahead for October Temperatures and Showers
Projections for October point toward an uneven weather distribution as the region transitions out of the monsoon season. Below-normal precipitation is anticipated across the majority of the nation, though select pockets within eastern India might receive above-normal rainfall. In the northeastern states, daytime maximum temperatures are expected to hover around normal ranges, while nighttime minimum temperatures could slip below seasonal averages, signaling ongoing fluctuations in post-monsoon conditions.
