Monsoon Chaos Across India: Mumbai Battles Floods While Northern States Face Severe Rain Deficit

The sharp imbalance in rainfall distribution has raised questions over whether El Niño has disrupted the country’s monsoon system. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the monsoon arrived slightly late this year, while its progress and distribution remained highly irregular. The advancement of monsoon over northern and northwestern India has been slow, with rainfall deficiency reaching 40 to 50 percent in several areas.

In contrast, the western coastal region, particularly Mumbai, has experienced intense monsoon activity. The country is witnessing a rare situation where some regions are facing drought-like conditions while others are dealing with flood-like situations during the same period.

Weather experts have stated that the strengthening of El Niño has influenced the monsoon pattern this year. El Niño is a climate phenomenon in which the eastern Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than usual, generally leading to reduced rainfall over India. The weakening of La Niña conditions and the impact of El Niño have contributed to the disruption of the normal monsoon cycle.

Coastal areas such as Mumbai are receiving continuous moisture-filled winds from the Arabian Sea. The absence of major weather disturbances has allowed these winds to remain active, resulting in persistent rainfall. Meanwhile, the monsoon trough has not reached its normal position over several other parts of the country, leading to reduced rainfall activity.

Mumbai’s geographical location plays a major role in its heavy rainfall pattern. The Western Ghats force moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea to rise upwards, a process known as orographic lifting. As these winds rise and cool after hitting the mountains, they produce intense rainfall. This year, wind movement and moisture levels have remained higher than normal, increasing rainfall intensity in the region.

Several districts of Rajasthan have recorded around 60 percent less rainfall than the seasonal average. Farmers are facing difficulties in sowing Kharif crops due to inadequate water availability. Haryana and Punjab are also witnessing a concerning situation, where water shortages may affect both agricultural activities and drinking water availability.

Central and eastern India have also witnessed uneven rainfall distribution. While some areas have received normal rainfall, others continue to remain dry. As a result, the overall national rainfall average remains close to normal, but regional differences have become extremely significant.

Scientists have warned that climate change is altering the nature of the Indian monsoon. Rainfall events are becoming more intense but concentrated over smaller areas, creating situations where one region experiences extreme rainfall while another faces drought. Rising global temperatures are increasing ocean temperatures and moisture levels, while climate cycles such as El Niño and La Niña are becoming more unpredictable, making weather forecasting increasingly challenging.

The Central Government has directed support measures for drought-affected states. Assistance under crop insurance schemes has been discussed to provide relief to farmers. In Mumbai, flood control measures have been strengthened with pumping stations activated to manage water accumulation. The weather department has warned of very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and surrounding areas over the next few days, while expecting increased monsoon activity in drought-affected regions.

In Mumbai, residents are facing difficulties stepping outside due to continuous rainfall. Schools and colleges have been closed in several areas, while electricity and water supply disruptions have been reported at multiple locations. The health department has advised people to remain cautious about malaria, dengue and water-borne diseases. In drought-hit regions, farmers have been forced to depend on borewells and water tankers due to declining water availability.

Meteorologists believe that such uneven monsoon patterns may become more frequent in the future. Long-term strategies will be required, including improved weather forecasting systems, water conservation measures, drought-resistant crops and effective urban flood management.

This year’s monsoon has emerged as a major warning sign for India. While Mumbai is struggling with severe waterlogging and heavy rainfall, large parts of the country are battling water shortages. The combined impact of El Niño, climate change and natural weather variations is disturbing the balance of the monsoon system. Governments, scientists and citizens will need coordinated efforts to address this growing challenge. While there is hope that monsoon activity will become more balanced in the coming days and provide relief to farmers, Mumbai residents continue to face heavy rainfall challenges and drought-affected regions continue to struggle with water scarcity.