Northeast India Faces Significant Rainfall Deficit as Monsoon Withdraws
Monsoon Withdrawal and Rainfall Deficit
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Guwahati/Agartala, Oct 16: The Southwest monsoon has officially retreated from all eight northeastern states, with the region experiencing a 26% deficit in rainfall during the June to September period, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
An official from IMD noted that the withdrawal occurred around its expected date, and temperatures in the region are anticipated to gradually decrease in the upcoming weeks.
“In 2025, the monsoon had completely withdrawn from the Northeast by October 14,” the official stated during a press briefing on Thursday.
Winter conditions are expected to become more noticeable towards the end of November, although both maximum and minimum temperatures will start to decline from now.
The monsoon made its way into significant parts of the Northeast on June 7, which was two days later than the usual onset date, and by June 10, it had covered the entire region, marking the start of the four-month rainy season.
IMD data indicates that the eight northeastern states collectively faced a 26% rainfall deficit during the monsoon season. While four states received rainfall within the normal range, the other four saw considerable shortfalls.
Meghalaya experienced the most significant deficit at 60%, followed by Manipur at 46%, Arunachal Pradesh at 44%, and Assam at 28%.
Meghalaya recorded only 1,077.1 mm of rainfall compared to its normal of 2,695.3 mm during the season, underscoring the severity of the shortfall in one of India's wettest regions.
Among the other northeastern states, Mizoram faced a 19% deficit, while Tripura recorded a 16% shortfall. In contrast, Sikkim and Nagaland saw rainfall levels 9% and 6% above their normal averages, respectively.
According to IMD standards, rainfall that varies from 19% below to 19% above normal is categorized as normal.
The lack of adequate rainfall has raised alarms regarding agricultural activities in the region, where monsoon rains are vital for the Kharif cropping season.
A senior official from the Manipur Agriculture Department mentioned that the 46% rainfall deficit, combined with ongoing ethnic conflicts, has severely impacted farming in the state, where irrigation facilities are lacking.
“Nevertheless, the state government has implemented sufficient arrangements and support measures to aid farming in both the Imphal Valley and the hill districts during the Kharif season,” the official informed.
The rainfall shortfall in the Northeast coincides with a nationwide monsoon deficiency. The IMD reported that India received 759.4 mm of rainfall during the 2026 Southwest monsoon season, which is 87% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
This seasonal rainfall is noted as the fourth lowest since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901.
East and Northeast India recorded 1,017.1 mm of rainfall, marking the lowest since 1901, while South Peninsular India saw 542 mm, its fourth-lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901 and second-lowest since 2001.
IMD data revealed that seasonal rainfall across Northwest India, Central India, South Peninsular India, and Northeast India was at 94.1%, 97%, 76%, and 74% of their respective LPAs.
Agricultural scientists and meteorological experts have stressed the importance of sufficient monsoon rainfall, particularly in July, for Kharif cultivation, as sowing activities ramp up across the country, including in the hilly Northeast.