What happened
The India Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Earth Sciences monitors rainfall on a daily, weekly, and seasonal basis against the Long Period Average. The Ministry has said that the Southwest Monsoon in 2026 remained lower than normal in several parts of India during the initial weeks, even though rainfall varied sharply across regions and some areas received normal or above-normal rain.
As of 14 July 2026, the country received rainfall below normal overall, according to the government statement. The Ministry of Earth Sciences also said that there is no indication of nationwide impact on food grain production at present.
Background and earlier position
Monsoon rainfall in India is naturally uneven across space and time. Regional deficits and excess rainfall can coexist in the same season, which makes monsoon monitoring a continuing administrative task rather than a one-time assessment.
The India Meteorological Department issues regular forecasts and warnings to support operational decisions by administrative authorities. Assessment and declaration of drought or flood situations remain within the purview of the respective State Governments, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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