India Records Fifth Driest June Since 1901 as Delayed Monsoon Hits Rainfall

India has recorded its fifth driest June since rainfall records began in 1901, with monsoon precipitation falling nearly 40% below the long-term average. According to the India Meteorological Department, the country received just 99.5 mm of rainfall during the month, compared with the normal 165.3 mm, making it the driest June in more than a decade. The shortfall was largely due to the delayed onset and slow advance of the southwest monsoon.

The rainfall deficit has disrupted the sowing of key summer crops, including rice, maize, cotton and soybeans, raising concerns over agricultural production. At the same time, several northern regions continued to experience intense heat, with daytime temperatures exceeding 42°C as the delayed monsoon failed to provide relief.

The southwest monsoon is vital to India’s economy, supplying around 70% of the country’s annual rainfall and replenishing reservoirs, rivers and groundwater. With nearly half of India’s farmland dependent on rainfall rather than irrigation, prolonged monsoon delays could affect crop yields, water availability and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.