India Meteorological Department 50% monsoon shortfall, central India worst
India
Monsoon rains are off to a rough start this year: India's seen 50% less rainfall than usual as of June 19, according to the IMD.
Central India is feeling it most, with a huge 60% deficit (just 2.7mm instead of the normal 6.7mm), leaving farmers worried about their crops for the upcoming kharif season.
Meteorologists blame weak monsoon winds
It's not just Central India: South Peninsular India has a 58% shortfall, while East/Northeast and Northwest India are down by around 28% and 26%.
Meteorologists say weak monsoon winds, dry air, and no strong weather systems over the Bay of Bengal are behind this slowdown, but there's hope things could pick up after June 20 if new rain systems form.