India's southwest monsoon pauses, 41% rainfall shortfall reported by IMD
India's southwest monsoon has basically hit pause, leaving the country with a 41% rainfall deficit from June 4 to June 18.
The IMD says India got just 42.6mm of rain, way less than the usual 72.2mm for this time.
central India is feeling it most, with a huge 67% shortfall, and the east and northeast aren't far behind at 42%.
IMD lists 5 factors stalling monsoon
According to the IMD, five main factors are holding back the monsoon: weak surges and southwesterly winds (so less moisture from the Arabian Sea), sluggish cross-equatorial flows in the Indian Ocean, no weather systems like low-pressure areas or cyclonic circulations, and an inactive Madden-Julian Oscillation phase.
El Nino likely reduces India's rainfall
El Nino conditions have also kicked in, which usually means even less rain for India.
these delays aren't totally unexpected.