Northeast India has just recorded its driest southwest monsoon in 125 years. The India Meteorological Department data shows the region received only 1,017.1 mm of rain between June and September 2026. It is the lowest seasonal total since records began in 1901.

Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh were the worst hit. All three states recorded deficient rainfall in each of the four monsoon months. The northeast is among India’s wettest regions.

It depends heavily on the monsoon for paddy, rivers and drinking water. A deficit across all four months raises the risk of lower crop yields. Water tables and reservoir storage will be under stress heading into winter.

Agricultural planners will watch soil moisture closely as the rabi season begins. Nationally, the monsoon was also weak. India received 759.4 mm, the 13th lowest since 1901.

For October, the IMD expects below-normal rain over most of the country. Some eastern areas may see normal to above-normal rain. Maximum temperatures in the northeast should stay near normal.

Minimums may dip to normal or below normal.