India Faces Below‑Normal Monsoon and Heat Spikes as El Niño Intensifies 2026 Weather Risks

India Meteorological Department says monsoon 2026 faces a 60% chance of below‑normal rainfall across central and northern regions, a pattern linked to a developing El Niño, prompting an orange alert for several states, and the forecast also notes a 40% chance of extreme heat spikes during the same period.

Bihar and Uttarakhand have already recorded heavy downpours this week, with river levels rising sharply, low‑lying areas inundated and local officials deploying rescue teams to flooded villages, and road access disrupted in several districts.

Yamuna River in Delhi and surrounding areas saw water submerge low‑lying homes, with floodwaters reaching knee level in some neighborhoods, forcing evacuations and highlighting the combined threat of intense rain and lingering heatwaves. Authorities have set up temporary shelters in community halls.

Farmers warn that reduced monsoon rains could cut wheat and rice yields by up to 15 percent, urging the government to accelerate irrigation projects, activate drought‑relief schemes, and support affected farming communities. State agencies are also distributing drought‑resistant seed varieties.