Bhubaneswar, May 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall in Odisha during the 2026 Southwest Monsoon season, raising concerns over its possible impact on agriculture, irrigation, and water resources in the state.
Addressing the media, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that seasonal rainfall across the country from June to September 2026 is likely to remain at 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error margin of plus or minus 4 per cent.
According to the IMD, the forecast indicates a higher probability of below-normal rainfall across most parts of the country during the upcoming monsoon season.
Dr. Mohapatra stated that Central India, Southern Peninsular India, and Northwest India are expected to receive deficient rainfall. Although some regions in East-Central India and parts of East India may experience normal to above-normal rainfall, Odisha is likely to receive below-normal precipitation this year.
He further explained that rainfall during June 2026 is also expected to remain below normal at the national level, with average rainfall likely to be less than 92 per cent of the long-period average. However, some parts of Northwest and Northeast India, sections of the Southern Peninsula, and isolated pockets of Central and East India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall.
The IMD chief said the forecast has been prepared using advanced climate models and updated meteorological assessments. The prediction assumes significance for Odisha, where a large section of the population depends on monsoon rainfall for farming and allied agricultural activities.
Experts believe deficient rainfall could affect crop planning, water availability, and reservoir levels if the forecast persists throughout the season.
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