Northeast India Endures Driest Monsoon in 125 Years as Seasonal Rainfall Plunges to Record Low Eastern and northeastern parts of India registered just 1,017.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, marking the lowest seasonal total since records began in 1901. 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. What this means for you The severe rainfall deficit and above-normal heat directly threaten water storage, irrigation for upcoming crops, and seasonal winter transitions. • Across India: Below-normal seasonal rainfall across the country strains reservoir levels required for winter crops and municipal supplies. Farmers and administrative bodies will need stricter water budgeting ahead of the upcoming agricultural cycle. • In Northeast India: Four consecutive dry months across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh severely impact local groundwater replenishment and streamflows. Regional farmers may face difficulties preparing fields for post-monsoon cultivation alongside tighter local drinking water access. • Temperature and Health: Unusually warm September temperatures will be replaced by nighttime drops below normal levels in October. This abrupt thermal fluctuation could elevate the incidence of seasonal colds and respiratory illnesses. • Upcoming Rainfall: Dry conditions are projected to linger across most parts of the country through October due to below-normal rainfall forecasts. Pockets within eastern India, however, may see intermittent showers that provide temporary respite. Why this happened The historic southwest monsoon deficit across northeastern and eastern India stemmed from persistent anomalies in monsoon wind dynamics and weakened regional weather systems. • Persistent Four-Month Deficit: Rain-bearing monsoon troughs failed to sustain adequate intensity over northeastern states from June through September. Consequently, subdivisions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh logged consecutive months of suppressed precipitation. • Unusual Atmospheric Warming: A severe lack of cloud cover and rainfall allowed regional temperatures in September to average 27.95 degrees Celsius. Exceeding normal benchmarks by 0.74 degrees Celsius, this thermal anomaly exacerbated dry conditions across eastern and northeastern zones. • Ineffective Late Surges: Intense downpours over Assam in late September arrived too late in the seasonal lifecycle to overcome the accumulated drought. Short, concentrated bursts could not compensate for four months of missing steady monsoon showers. Questions & Answers 1. How much rainfall was recorded in Northeast India during the 2026 monsoon? Eastern and northeastern India recorded 1,017.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, the lowest figure since 1901. 2. Which states in the northeast experienced deficits across all four monsoon months? Subdivisions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh registered below-normal rain throughout June, July, August, and September. 3. Where does the 2026 monsoon rank in terms of nationwide rainfall in India? With 759.4 mm of all-India rainfall, it was the 13th driest monsoon season since 1901 and the fourth driest since 2001. 4. What were the temperature conditions in eastern and northeastern India during September? The regional average temperature reached 27.95 degrees Celsius, 0.74 degrees above normal, making it the sixth warmest September since 1901. 5. What is the weather outlook for October across the country? Rainfall is projected to remain below normal across most parts of India, while minimum nighttime temperatures in the northeast could dip below average. https://trendkia.com/en/national/northeast-india-men-125-sala-ka-sabase-kamajora-manasuna-juna-se-sitnbara-ke-bicha-barisha-men-aitihasika-giravata-42189 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.