May 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall for Odisha during the 2026 Southwest Monsoon season, even as it expects overall monsoon performance across the country to remain subdued.
IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the seasonal rainfall between June and September 2026 is likely to be about 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error margin of ±4%. This indicates a higher probability of below-normal rainfall across India as a whole.
According to the forecast, large parts of Central India, the Southern Peninsula, and Northwest India are expected to receive below-normal rainfall. While certain pockets in East and East-Central India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall, Odisha is likely to fall in the below-normal category.
For June 2026 specifically, the IMD expects rainfall across most regions to remain below normal. However, isolated areas in Northwest India, Northeast India, parts of the Southern Peninsula, and some sections of Central and East-Central India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall.
The IMD has also cautioned about above-normal maximum temperatures during June, along with an increased likelihood of heatwave conditions in several states, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. Some pockets in Maharashtra, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu may also experience heatwave days above normal levels.
In contrast, Rajasthan and Jharkhand are expected to see comparatively fewer heatwave days than usual.
Minimum temperatures are also projected to remain above normal in most parts of the country, adding to overall heat stress during the early phase of the monsoon season.
Officials have advised state administrations to prepare for both below-normal rainfall conditions and higher heatwave risks, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Odisha.