Monsoon Stagnation Triggers 41 Percent Rainfall Deficit Across India Amid Super El Niño Concerns

The India Meteorological Department said on June 18 that the absence of favourable large-scale meteorological conditions has prevented the southwest monsoon from advancing into the remaining parts of Maharashtra over the past several days. The prolonged pause in monsoon movement has contributed significantly to the rainfall shortage being recorded across the country.

The weather department also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of West Bengal over the next week. However, precipitation has largely remained absent in the southern districts of the state despite the southwest monsoon having officially entered the region.

Although rainfall deficits during June, the opening month of the monsoon season, are not considered unusual, the situation has gained added significance this year as meteorological agencies and forecasters around the world have warned that conditions are likely to develop into a Super El Niño year.

The continued stagnation of the southwest monsoon and the widening rainfall deficit have heightened concerns over weather patterns during the crucial monsoon season, making the coming weeks vital for agriculture, water resources and overall climatic stability across the country.