New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- After recording a 24.3% rainfall deficit during the June-September southwest monsoon, South Peninsular India is now banking on the northeast monsoon, or retreating monsoon, which typically sets in October. Southern states receive a significant share of their annual rainfall during October-December. Mint explains.

India's southwest monsoon rainfall in 2026 was 87% of the long-period average (LPA), with cumulative rainfall of 759.4mm during June-September, making it the fourth-lowest since 2001 and 13th-lowest since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). South Peninsular India-Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana-experienced a significant rainfall deficit during the season....