IMD: Monsoon 2026 ends at 87% of LPA; below-normal October rain likely
Why in the news
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released end-of-season monsoon statistics and its outlook for October and the post-monsoon season. The country closed the June-September season with below-normal rain.
Key facts
- All-India rainfall: 759.4 mm, which IMD puts at 87% of the Long Period Average (LPA) – 13th lowest since 1901 and fourth lowest since 2001.
- East and Northeast India: lowest seasonal rainfall in IMD’s series since 1901; Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh were deficient in all four months.
- Spread: 17 subdivisions (42% of area) deficient; Odisha the only excess subdivision.
- October outlook: below-normal rain for the country (under 85% of LPA), though parts of NW India and the south peninsula may get normal or more.
- Temperature: above-normal maximum temperatures likely over most regions in October.
| Month (2026) | Rainfall (% of LPA) |
|---|---|
| June | 65 |
| July | 101 |
| August | 84 |
| September | 92 |
About the northeast monsoon outlook
For October-December, IMD expects normal rain (88-112% of LPA) over South Peninsular India, covering Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka. IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra linked the weak season, especially in the south and east, to El Nino.
Exam angle
- Monsoon 2026: 87% of LPA (759.4 mm).
- Driest region on record: East and Northeast India.
- Normal band for northeast monsoon: 88-112% of LPA.