India ended the 2026 monsoon with its fourth-lowest rainfall since 2001, the India Meteorological Department confirmed. The country received 759.4 mm of rain against a normal of 868.6 mm — about 87 percent of the long-period average, a deficit of 12.6 percent and the weakest season since 2015.

A decent July could not offset poor June, August and September rains. Maharashtra declared 265 talukas drought-hit, Karnataka reported 177 and Andhra Pradesh 388 mandals.

The IMD expects below-normal rainfall in October — under 85 percent of average — with above-normal temperatures across most of the country. Only parts of the south may see normal rain in the October-December period.

Experts warn weak rains could hit rabi crops like wheat and mustard, hurting farm incomes and food prices. Retail inflation hit a 20-month high of 4.82 percent in August.

Weak monsoon years have historically pushed up food prices and slowed rural demand. The government says it is monitoring water availability closely as the rabi sowing season approaches in the coming weeks.