India Faces Driest Monsoon Since 2009 As El Niño Drives Below‑Normal Rainfall

India’s Monsoon – The India Meteorological Department reports that rainfall across the subcontinent, especially in central and eastern zones, will be below normal for the next two weeks, marking a noticeable weakening of the seasonal onset.

El Niño – The ongoing El Niño event is identified by the IMD as the primary driver behind the dry trend, putting the country on track for its driest monsoon season since 2009 and could cut total seasonal rainfall by 5‑10 percent.

Farmers – With below‑normal rain expected, sowing schedules in major wheat‑growing states such as Punjab and Haryana face delays, reservoir levels are projected to fall short of seasonal targets, and reliance on groundwater for irrigation is likely to rise.

Government – The IMD seasonal outlook for June‑September 2026 urges state water‑management plans, warns of potential crop yield reductions, recommends contingency measures for drought‑prone regions, and suggests targeted relief funds for affected districts.