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India Monsoon 2026 Update: Monsoon Stalls Over Telangana, 38% Rainfall Deficit Recorded Across Country

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
  • Jun 19, 2026
  • 217

The progress of the Southwest Monsoon 2026 has slowed significantly after a rapid advance across 19 states. Weather experts report that the monsoon has remained stationary over Telangana since June 8, delaying its movement into several parts of central and northern India.

The prolonged pause in monsoon activity has resulted in a major rainfall deficit across seven states, where precipitation levels have dropped by as much as 60 percent below normal. According to weather analysts, the slowdown is linked to multiple atmospheric systems disrupting the normal flow of moisture across the Indian subcontinent.

India Records 38% Below-Normal Rainfall

Rainfall data between June 1 and June 18 shows that India received nearly 38 percent less rainfall than the seasonal average. Maharashtra has emerged as one of the worst-affected states, registering a rainfall deficit of about 78 percent. Gujarat is facing a similar crisis, recording nearly 79 percent below-normal rainfall during the same period.

Meteorologists say weakened moisture currents from the Arabian Sea and the failure of southern cloud bands to move northward have contributed to the delayed monsoon advance.

Heatwave Continues Across Several States

Despite scattered pre-monsoon showers in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Delhi, intense heat continues to grip large parts of the country.

Many cities across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest location in India with a maximum temperature of 43.2°C.

Other high-temperature readings included:

  • Boudh (Odisha): 42.8°C

  • Brahmapuri (Maharashtra): 42.3°C

  • Daltonganj (Jharkhand): 42.0°C

  • Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): 41.6°C

  • Chhapra (Bihar): 41.6°C

  • Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): 41.4°C

NOAA Report Identifies Reasons Behind Monsoon Slowdown

A satellite-based assessment by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA  indicates that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has remained weaker than expected. Normally, the ITCZ shifts northward by mid-June, helping transport moisture into India and accelerating monsoon expansion.

Meteorologists have also observed the emergence of El Niño-related conditions, which often contribute to irregular rainfall distribution, prolonged dry spells and drought-like situations.

Satellite imagery shows active thunderstorm development over eastern India, while cloud density remains relatively low across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and western India.

IMD Weather Forecast for June 20

Heavy rainfall is likely over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Karnataka.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim. Bihar may witness strong winds reaching 50 to 70 kmph in isolated areas.

Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph are also likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha.

IMD Weather Forecast for June 21

Heavy rain activity is expected to continue across Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.

Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal may witness thunderstorms with lightning. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience rain accompanied by strong winds.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka and Maharashtra are expected to receive continued rainfall.

Monsoon Likely to Advance Soon

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weakening jet stream patterns in the upper atmosphere are expected to strengthen monsoon circulation over the coming days.

Weather conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the monsoon to advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and additional regions during the next four to five days.

What Are Jet Streams?

Jet streams are powerful bands of fast-moving winds located approximately 8 to 15 kilometers above the Earth's surface. These atmospheric currents influence monsoon behavior, cloud movement and western disturbances, making them a crucial factor in India's seasonal weather patterns.

 

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