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1 September 2026

IMD forecast for September rainfall

The IMD rainfall forecast provides critical context for understanding agricultural productivity, cropping patterns, and food security risks in India, though it is a recurring seasonal update rather than a specific policy or legislative event.

1 min read Day 24 of 24 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for September, at least 9% short of the long-period average of 167.9 mm.
  • August 2026 was the hottest since 1901, with a mean temperature of 28.01 degrees Celsius (0.67 degrees above normal).
  • August 2026 recorded the seventh-lowest rainfall since 2001 at 213.3 mm.
  • El Niño conditions are identified as the primary driver for dry atmosphere and rising temperatures.
  • Low-pressure systems persisted for 26 days in August (climatological average is 16.3 days), but rainfall was spatially confined to the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
  • Western Disturbances interacted with monsoon circulation, concentrating rainfall in eastern and northwestern regions rather than facilitating a widespread revival.
  • September typically contributes 20% of the total June-September monsoon rainfall.
  • Cumulative monsoon rainfall as of August 31 was 14% below normal, with significant deficits in the south peninsula, east, and northeast India.

Part of a longer story

This is day 24 of 24 in El Nino impact on India's monsoon, which has been running since 21 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the impact of El Niño and atmospheric circulation patterns on the spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall in India, with reference to recent meteorological trends. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and temperature anomalies poses a significant challenge to India's agricultural stability. Discuss the role of the India Meteorological Department in climate monitoring and the implications of shifting monsoon patterns for national food security. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following factors contributed to the concentration of rainfall in the Indo-Gangetic Plains during August 2026 despite overall dry conditions?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-01/imd-forecast-for-september-rainfall