India Monsoon Rains Seen Below Normal, Private Forecaster Says

Monsoon rains in India are likely to be below the long-term average this year, as an expected El Niño weather pattern during the four-month season could reduce precipitation, according to a private forecaster.Author of the article:You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.(Bloomberg) — Monsoon rains in India are likely to be below the long-term average this year, as an expected El Niño weather pattern during the four-month season could reduce precipitation, according to a private forecaster. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Rainfall during the June-September period is forecast to be 94% of normal, Skymet Weather Services Pvt. said on Tuesday. The prediction has a margin of error of 5%, it said.The monsoon is vital for Indian agriculture, helping irrigate fields and replenish reservoirs for winter crops. It supports millions of livelihoods and influences food prices. Weak rainfall in one of the world’s major producers of rice, wheat, sugar and cotton can lead to water shortages, lower yields and higher imports of staples such as edible oils. Climate change is making these annual rains harder to predict.Deficient rainfall may push farmers to use more diesel for irrigation, raising fuel demand at a time when the Iran war is already driving up global energy costs. Crude prices have surged due to supply disruptions and restricted flows through the Strait of Hormuz.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.A spell of extreme heat in the coming weeks, forecast by the India Meteorological Department, ahead of the monsoon’s arrival in early June is also likely to increase fossil fuel consumption as demand for cooling appliances rises. A monsoon season is considered normal when cumulative rains fall between 96% and 104% of the national average of about 87 centimeters, according to the IMD, India’s official weather forecaster. Rains were above normal last year.Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4© 2026 Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can manage saved articles in your account.and save up to 100 articles!You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.