India Rainfall Deficit Narrows to 14% as Southwest Monsoon Covers Entire Country

The southwest monsoon covered the entire country on July 9, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon first reached the Kerala coast on June 4, 2026, and completed its nationwide advance one day later than the usual schedule.

At the same time, the IMD reported that India’s rainfall deficit narrowed to 14% from 30% recorded on June 30, 2026. However, the weather agency has also forecast a reduction in rainfall activity over parts of central and southern India in the coming days.

India Rainfall Deficit Falls From 30% to 14%

The latest IMD data shows that the country’s cumulative rainfall deficit declined significantly during the first half of the monsoon season. Between June 1 and July 9, 2026, India received 205 mm of rainfall against the Long Period Average (LPA) of 233.1 mm.

This translates into a rainfall shortfall of 14% compared with the historical benchmark used by the weather department. The improvement indicates that rainfall activity strengthened across several regions during early July, helping reduce the national deficit.

What Is Long Period Average Rainfall?

The Long Period Average, or LPA, is the average rainfall recorded over a region during a specified period and is calculated using historical data collected over several decades. The IMD uses the LPA as a benchmark for monitoring rainfall performance and issuing monsoon forecasts.

Rainfall is considered deficient or excessive by comparing actual precipitation with this long-term average. As a result, the LPA serves as a key indicator for assessing the progress of the monsoon season across the country.

IMD Rainfall Classification Explained

The IMD classifies rainfall departures from the LPA into different categories based on the percentage variation. Rainfall that is between 19% below and 19% above the LPA is categorised as normal.

A departure of 20% or more above the LPA is classified as excess rainfall, while a deficit ranging from 20% to 59% is termed deficient. Rainfall that is 60% or more below the LPA falls under the scanty or large deficient category, making a 14% deficit part of the normal range under the IMD framework.

When Does a Rainfall Deficit Become a Meteorological Drought?

According to the IMD, a meteorological drought is declared when seasonal rainfall over an area falls below 75% of its LPA. The agency further classifies drought conditions as moderate when the rainfall deficit is between 26% and 50%.

A severe drought is recorded when the rainfall deficit exceeds 50% of normal rainfall. The IMD has also clarified that a meteorological drought alone does not automatically result in an All-India drought year, as additional conditions must be satisfied before such a classification is made.

Read More: Mumbai Reservoir Water Levels Rise As Monsoon Rainfall Improves Lake Storage.

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Conclusion

The southwest monsoon has now covered the entire country, while India’s rainfall deficit has improved notably from 30% to 14% by July 9, 2026. Based on IMD classifications, the current shortfall remains within the normal rainfall category and does not indicate drought conditions at the national level.

The improvement reflects stronger rainfall activity during recent weeks, although some regions may witness reduced precipitation in the near term. The latest figures highlight the importance of comparing rainfall against the LPA to assess monsoon performance and drought risk accurately.

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