Even as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh battle heavy rains and floods, most Northeastern states, except Sikkim, experienced a significant shortfall in monsoon rainfall in June. The deficiency, exceeding 40 percent, was attributed to weak rain systems, inactive monsoon troughs, and El Nino influence, as per India Meteorological Department data.
Sikkim was the sole state with slightly excess rainfall in June, receiving 515.9 mm against the normal 438.2 mm. The IMD predicts below-normal rainfall for July 2026, with the country likely to receive less than 94 percent of the Long Period Average.
Meghalaya and Manipur faced “Large Deficient (LD)” rainfall in June, with deficits of 74 percent and 71 percent, respectively. Manipur, grappling with ethnic conflicts and inadequate irrigation, has taken security measures to aid farming during the Kharif cropping season.
Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura collectively recorded an average rainfall deficiency of around 42 percent in June. The IMD noted that the Southwest monsoon’s weakness, influenced by El Nino conditions, led to insufficient rainfall across the Northeastern region.
IMD’s Agartala Meteorological Centre Director mentioned that Tripura experienced a 41 percent rainfall deficit in June. The monsoon onset in the Northeastern region was delayed, with Tripura receiving below-normal rainfall, and July is expected to see similar conditions.
Weather experts anticipate the development of a strong El Nino event in 2026, affecting Asia and the Americas. Despite concerns over El Nino, meteorologists are hopeful for adequate rainfall in the Northeast during the remaining monsoon months, crucial for the region’s agrarian economy and water resources.
