Bhubaneswar, May 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall in Odisha during the 2026 Southwest Monsoon season, raising concerns over possible impacts on agriculture and water resources in the state.

Addressing the media, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the seasonal rainfall across the country during the June to September monsoon period is likely to be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error margin of ±4 per cent.

According to the IMD, this indicates a higher probability of below-normal rainfall across the country during the upcoming monsoon season.

Dr. Mohapatra stated that Central India, Northwest India, and Southern Peninsular India are expected to receive below-normal rainfall. While some parts of East-Central India and East India may witness normal to above-normal rainfall, Odisha is likely to experience deficient rainfall during the monsoon months.

He further said that rainfall in June 2026 is also expected to remain below normal across most parts of the country, with rainfall likely to be less than 92 per cent of the long-period average.

However, certain regions, including parts of Northwest and Northeast India, some areas of the Southern Peninsula, and isolated pockets of Central and East India, may receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

The IMD’s forecast assumes significance for Odisha, where the southwest monsoon plays a crucial role in agriculture, irrigation, and overall rural economy.

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