India, Aug. 12 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued its First Stage Long Range Forecast for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon Season on 13th April 2026, predicting below-normal seasonal rainfall at 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA). This was updated in the Second Stage forecast to 90% of the LPA, while anticipating the development of El Niño conditions. In line with these predictions, June recorded 35% below-normal rainfall with 70% of districts experiencing deficits. Although July recorded 1% above the LPA on an all-India scale due to strong rainfall in Central India, significant spatial disparities remained, with 47% of districts facing deficient or large-deficient rainfall. A...