Monsoon in September Will Be Weak and Erratic, IMD Warns The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that the monsoon in September will not only be weaker than usual but also exhibit erratic patterns, posing significant challenges for agricultural production. According to the latest updates, the monsoon has shown a weak and inconsistent behavior since August 2026, with rainfall distribution uneven across regions. The IMD predicts that the next two weeks, up to September 2, will see below-average rainfall across the country, raising concerns about the impact on Kharif crops such as soybean, maize, and tur. The monsoon system has been stalled in the Himalayan foothills, failing to move toward central and southern India. This has led to reduced rainfall in western and central regions, while the northeastern and Himalayan areas have experienced relatively better conditions. However, the erratic distribution has created a dual challenge, with some areas facing flood-like situations and others experiencing drought-like conditions simultaneously. The IMD’s seasonal rainfall prediction (LPA) has been revised downward to 85% of the long-term average, down from 94% in April. The probability of drought has increased to 70%, with regional variations showing a 26% deficit in the northeast, 23% in the southern peninsula, 11% in the northwest, and just 3% in central India. Experts warn that the deficit could rise further, potentially affecting crop yields and exacerbating food inflation. The erratic monsoon is attributed to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, which is currently the strongest in a century. The Pacific Ocean’s surface temperatures are 3°C above normal, weakening the monsoon circulation.#india_meteorological_department #el_nino #soybean #maize #tur
