EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.VINAY KOCHHAR/CHANDIGARH.
With the departure of the monsoon this year in Punjab, rainfall data has raised concerns. From June to September 2026, the state recorded 38 percent less rainfall than normal. This is the third-wettest year since 2000.
During this period, only 272.8 mm of rain fell, while the normal figure is 439.8 mm. Previously, 2014 saw 50 percent less rainfall, and 2012 saw 47 percent less rainfall. Last year, in 2025, 620.9 mm of rain fell, which was 41 percent more than normal. This year, the figure has dropped to 272.8 mm. Monsoon rainfall has declined significantly in just one year. In 2024, 317.3 mm of rain fell, which was 28 percent less than normal. Punjab has experienced two consecutive years of weak monsoons.
Increasing Pressure on Groundwater
In 2026, June and September received only 29.5 mm of rainfall each. July recorded 119.3 mm and August 94.5 mm of rainfall. This rainfall did not compensate for the severe deficit in June and September. Punjab’s agriculture is heavily dependent on groundwater, which will increase the pressure on irrigation. The weak monsoon has also affected the natural recharge of groundwater.
Year – Rainfall – Percentage
2026: 272.8 mm (38% less)
2025: 620.9 mm (41% more)
2024: 314.6 mm (28% less)
2014: 243.9 mm (50% less)
2012: 262.2 mm (47% less)
Dr. Pavaneet Kaur Kingra, from the Department of Climate Change and Agrometeorology at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, says that this year’s monsoon was under the influence of El Niño, which had already predicted below-normal rainfall. Adequate monsoon systems did not reach Punjab. Low-pressure systems and monsoon activity, which bring rain, were more active in other parts of Punjab this time. By mid-July, rainfall in Punjab was 24% below normal. Even after this, monsoon activity remained weak. The deficit could not be made up even in September.###UK###CANADA###PUNJAB###WEATHER###RAIN###CHANDIGARH###AUSTRALIA###NEWZEALAND###GERMANY###ITLAY###FRANCE###SINGAPORE###CHINA###UKRAIN###