India’s 2026 southwest monsoon has ended 12.6 per cent below the long-period average, the weakest season since 2015, according to official data.

The shortfall makes this the worst monsoon in over a decade. In 2015, rainfall was 12.7 per cent below normal. This year, 42 per cent of meteorological subdivisions ended deficient, while only 53 per cent were normal.

The water situation is alarming. The country’s 178 major reservoirs hold just 70 per cent of capacity, the lowest in a decade, against 79 per cent last year and a ten-year average of 76.6 per cent.

Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 talukas, and Karnataka in more than 177. Despite the deficit, kharif sowing recovered to 98 per cent of the normal area, limiting the immediate crop damage. Food inflation stood at 5.95 per cent in August.

Experts warn that hydropower generation could fall about 10 per cent, and the rabi season will depend heavily on reservoir levels and winter rains.