58% Monsoon Rainfall Deficit Meghalaya, Home to Some of the Wettest Places on Earth, Is Enduring One of Its Driest Monsoon

Meghalaya grapples with a 58% monsoon rainfall deficit Meghalaya, home to some of the wettest places on Earth, is enduring one of its driest monsoon spells in recent years, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) flagging a staggering 58% rainfall deficit for the core monsoon season. Between June 1 and July 31, the state recorded just 681.5mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 1,626.2mm. That places Meghalaya in the IMD’s ‘Deficient’ category and has raised concerns about agriculture, drinking water supplies and reservoir storage if the dry spell persists.

The situation worsened sharply in July, traditionally one of the wettest months. The state received only 3.4mm against a normal of 20.1mm — an 83% shortfall that falls under the ‘Large Deficient’ bracket. The deficit has been widespread, with 10 of Meghalaya’s 11 districts receiving below-normal precipitation.

West Jaiñtia Hills was the worst hit with a 78% deficit, followed by West Khasi Hills (71%), West Garo Hills (69%), East Jaiñtia Hills (67%), North Garo Hills (64%), East Garo Hills (59%), South West Garo Hills (54%), East Khasi Hills (50%), South Garo Hills (50%) and Ri Bhoi (46%). South West Khasi Hills was the lone exception, receiving 1,917.8mm against a normal of 1,049.5mm — an 83% surplus that earned the IMD’s ‘Large Excess’ classification. The sharp contrast highlights a highly uneven distribution of rainfall across the state, with isolated heavy showers failing to compensate for prolonged dry spells over large areas.

“The rainfall distribution this season has been highly uneven, with most districts recording substantial deficits despite sporadic heavy rainfall events in isolated pockets, an IMD official said. Experts warn that a prolonged deficit during the peak monsoon months could hit paddy cultivation, reduce stream flows, lower groundwater recharge and strain drinking water sources if the trend continues. “There are concerns over water availability and agriculture should the deficit continue over the coming weeks, although the monsoon season is far from over, a senior weather official said. The IMD has forecast normal to above-normal rainfall over Northeast India in August, raising the possibility that Meghalaya could recover part of the seasonal deficit before the southwest monsoon withdraws later this year.””