After June deficit, July to see below-normal rainfall too: IMD

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims· 1 July 2026

Why in news

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast predicting below-normal rainfall for July 2024 following a significant rainfall deficit in June.

Background

The IMD reported a 40% rainfall deficit in June 2024 against a previous forecast of 92% of the long period average. For July 2024, rainfall is projected to be less than 94% of the long period average, influenced by strengthening El Nino conditions.

Facts for Prelims

S&TEl Nino: A climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
FactJune 2024 rainfall was approximately 60% of the long period average.
FactJuly 2024 rainfall is projected to be less than 94% of the long period average.
BodyIMD: The primary agency in India responsible for meteorological observations and forecasting.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina phenomena on the Indian monsoon and suggest measures to mitigate the socio-economic risks of erratic rainfall patterns.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Agricultural vulnerability: Risk of crop failure and reduced yields in rain-fed farming regions due to rainfall deficits.
Hydrological stress: Reduced groundwater recharge and surface water availability affecting drinking water security in arid zones.
Economic volatility: Impact of erratic monsoons on rural demand and food price inflation in the domestic market.

Keywords: Monsoon variability · El Nino · Climate resilience · Agricultural risk · Hydrological cycle

Read the full news →Source: Indian Express ↗Also: GS1 · Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)

More Environment & Ecology notes

Sacred Groves: Predator Havens, Outperforming Plantations in Biodiversity · 4 July 2026
Ladakh deploys 100 ex-armymen to curb eco violations, fine tourists ₹2 lakh · 4 July 2026
Antarctica is missing 2 million sq km of sea ice, scientists say the impact may reach far beyond the frozen continent · 4 July 2026
UPSC Key: Tiger Reserves restoration, FDC drugs, and US turns 250 · 4 July 2026
El Niño to Intensify, Threatening India with Drought and Heatwaves · 4 July 2026
Delhi's Tree Census Delayed Despite Supreme Court Order · 4 July 2026

All Environment & Ecology current affairs →

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.