India Faces 11% Rainfall Deficit in June, Highest in Five Years

India recorded an 11% rainfall deficit in June, the highest in five years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The country received 147.2 mm of rainfall against a normal of 165.3 mm. The deficit varied across regions, with northwest India facing the most severe shortage.

India faced a significant rainfall deficit of 11% in June, marking the highest shortfall in five years, according to a report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released on Monday.

IMD data showed a total of 147.2 mm of rainfall was recorded against the month's normal of 165.3 mm, making it the seventh lowest since 2001.

June's rainfall typically accounts for 15% of the total monsoon season precipitation, but this year, its early onset over Kerala failed to sustain momentum, leading to insufficient rains in several key states and exacerbating a severe heat wave in northwest India.