India’s monsoon rainfall ends 13% below normal, fourth-lowest since 2001

India recorded 87.4 percent of its long period average rainfall during this year’s southwest monsoon. The country received 759.4 mm of rain, which is 13 percent below normal. El Niño significantly contributed to the below-average rainfall, especially noted in southern and western regions. Despite a late surge in rainfall, several areas faced substantial deficits, particularly Punjab and South India. The overall monsoon season ended as the driest since 2015.