Shillong, Aug 2: Meghalaya, known as one of the wettest places on Earth, is witnessing an unusually dry monsoon this year, with the state recording a 58% rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 31, according to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.
The state received 681.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 1,626.2 mm, placing Meghalaya in the ‘Deficient’ rainfall category.
The situation is even more alarming for July alone. The state received just 3.4 mm of rain against the normal 20.1 mm, a massive 83% shortfall, classified as ‘Large Deficient’.
The deficit is widespread across the state, with 10 of Meghalaya’s 11 districts receiving below-normal seasonal rainfall.
Among the worst-hit districts are:
West Jaintia Hills: 78% deficit
West Khasi Hills: 71% deficit
West Garo Hills: 69% deficit
East Jaintia Hills: 67% deficit
North Garo Hills: 64% deficit
East Garo Hills: 59% deficit
South West Garo Hills: 54% deficit
East Khasi Hills: 50% deficit
South Garo Hills: 50% deficit
Ri Bhoi: 46% deficit
South West Khasi Hills emerged as the lone exception, recording 1,917.8 mm of rainfall against a normal 1,049.5 mm—an 83% surplus, placing it in the ‘Large Excess’ category.
The figures underline the highly uneven distribution of rainfall across Meghalaya this monsoon.
While parts of the state have experienced localised heavy showers, the overall seasonal rainfall has remained significantly below normal, raising concerns over water availability, agriculture and reservoir levels if the deficit persists in the coming weeks.
The IMD, however, has forecast normal to above-normal rainfall over Northeast India during August, offering hope that the rainfall deficit may narrow during the remaining monsoon period.
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