The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that India will experience below-normal rainfall in September 2026, with precipitation levels expected to be at least 9% lower than the long-period average of 167.9 mm. This prediction follows a dry August, which saw the country receive 213.3 mm of rain, the seventh-lowest since 2001, and record high temperatures. The IMD attributes this trend to ongoing El Niño conditions, which contribute to higher temperatures and reduced atmospheric moisture. While some regions like the northwest, northeast, and parts of central and eastern India may see normal to above-normal rainfall, other areas, particularly the east and northeast, face significant deficits. The department also notes that frequent low-pressure systems and Western Disturbances have influenced rainfall patterns, concentrating precipitation in specific regions rather than providing widespread relief. El Niño conditions are expected to persist throughout the remaining months of the monsoon season.
Delhi experienced an unusual August marked by above-average rainfall, persistently high temperatures, and a three-year high in the air quality index (AQI). According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital received significantly more rain than usual during the monsoon season, with some areas recording surpluses exceeding 60 per cent. Despite the heavy rains, both day and night temperatures stayed unusually high, and the average AQI for the month reached its highest level since 2023. Rainfall data from the IMD shows that Delhi has received 653.9 mm of rainfall at Safdarjung since the start of the monsoon season, surpassing the long-period average of 506.7 mm by 29 per cent. This makes the current season one of the wettest in recent memory. The first week of August saw the highest rainfall in 15 years, with 127 mm recorded over seven days, the most since 2011. On August 25, Safdarjung recorded 99.1 mm of rain in 24 hours, the highest single-day rainfall for an August day in two years. Other parts of the city also saw substantial rainfall surpluses. At Palam, 533.2 mm of rain fell against a seasonal normal of 482.1 mm, representing an 11 per cent surplus. Lodhi Road recorded 648.2 mm, which is 28 per cent above the normal. The Ridge area saw 703.1 mm of rainfall, a 63 per cent surplus over its normal of 432.1 mm. Similarly, Ayanagar recorded 686.3 mm, which is 59 per cent above its normal of 431.3 mm. For the entire month of August, Safdarjung recorded 354.1 mm of rainfall, far exceeding the normal of 222.9 mm by 59 per cent. Palam received 300.8 mm, which is 45 per cent above its August normal of 207.6 mm. Lodhi Road recorded 332 mm against a normal of 222.9 mm, a 49 per cent surplus. The Ridge area saw 357.4 mm of rain, nearly double its normal of 181.3 mm, while Ayanagar recorded 383.2 mm, a 114 per cent increase over its normal of 179.2 mm. Despite the heavy rainfall, temperatures in Delhi remained consistently high. The average maximum temperature at Safdarjung up to August 29 was 34.1 degrees Celsius, the highest in two years. The last time the average maximum temperature was higher was in 2023, when it reached 35.4 degrees Celsius. The average minimum temperature for the month was 26.8 degrees Celsius, matching the figure from 2023 and the highest since 2018, when it was 27.3 degrees Celsius. The air quality in Delhi presented a mixed picture throughout August. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air revealed that the average AQI for the 28 days of August was 92, the highest since 2023. While 19 of the 28 days were classified as satisfactory, the other nine were in the moderate range. In contrast, August 2023 had eight satisfactory days and 23 moderate ones. The peak AQI for the month reached 129, the highest since 2023, when it had peaked at 186. While Delhi faced excessive rainfall and high temperatures, other regions in India experienced contrasting conditions. Kerala, for instance, recorded a 22 per cent deficit in rainfall during the June-to-August period, according to reports. This highlights the variability in monsoon patterns across different parts of the country. The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend indicated cloudy skies in Delhi, with no rain expected. This suggests that the intense rainfall activity might have subsided temporarily, although the overall pattern of above-average precipitation continues to shape the region’s climate dynamics. As the monsoon season progresses, meteorologists will continue monitoring these trends to provide accurate forecasts and warnings.
3 reports
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908/31/2026
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that India will experience below-normal rainfall in September 2026, with precipitation levels expected to be at least 9% lower than the long-period average of 167.9 mm. This prediction follows a dry August, which saw the country receive 213.3 mm of rain, the seventh-lowest since 2001, and record high temperatures. The IMD attributes this trend to ongoing El Niño conditions, which contribute to higher temperatures and reduced atmospheric moisture. While some regions like the northwest, northeast, and parts of central and eastern India may see normal to above-normal rainfall, other areas, particularly the east and northeast, face significant deficits. The department also notes that frequent low-pressure systems and Western Disturbances have influenced rainfall patterns, concentrating precipitation in specific regions rather than providing widespread relief. El Niño conditions are expected to persist throughout the remaining months of the monsoon season.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report based on meteorological data and scientific analysis provided by the IMD. It does not take a partisan stance or promote any political agenda. The focus is on climate patterns and weather forecasts, which are objective and non-political in nature. The tone and ph
Why factuality (95): The article provides specific data from the IMD including rainfall percentages, dates, and regional breakdowns. It references the impact of El Niño and includes temperature statistics. All claims align with the cross-source consensus, though some details like the exact September forecast are cut off
Why objectivity (90): The article presents information in a largely neutral manner, using descriptive language without overt bias. It reports on the IMD's forecast and contextualizes it with historical data and climate factors. There is no strong editorializing or emotionally charged language.
The PrintIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 859/1/2026
The article reports that Kerala recorded 22 percent deficient rainfall during the monsoon season of June to August. This indicates that the state received less rain than the average expected for this period, which could impact agriculture, water resources, and overall climate conditions. The report highlights concerns over the implications of reduced rainfall for local communities and ecosystems. No specific causes for the deficiency were mentioned, but the data suggests potential challenges related to drought or changing weather patterns.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data regarding rainfall deficiency without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity or policy. It focuses on environmental data rather than political action or ideology, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why factuality (85): The article states Kerala had a 22% deficiency in rainfall during June-August. While it does not provide detailed supporting data or sources, this claim is consistent with the general theme of below-normal rainfall reported in other articles. Some specifics are missing compared to the more detailed
Why objectivity (85): The article appears to present facts without clear bias, though it lacks the depth of analysis found in The Hindu. The title is straightforward and does not suggest any particular stance or opinion beyond reporting the deficit.
The article discusses concerns over Pune's potential loss of its 31% monsoon surplus due to a bleak September weather forecast. While the region experienced above-average rainfall during the monsoon season, experts warn that the upcoming months might bring dry conditions that could negate the surplus. This situation raises questions about water management and agricultural planning in the area. The forecast highlights the uncertainty surrounding rainfall patterns and their impact on local resources.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on environmental and meteorological factors related to rainfall and does not present any overtly political stance or framing. It reports on scientific forecasts and their implications without leaning toward any particular ideological perspective.
Why factuality (80): The article mentions Pune having a 31% monsoon surplus but warns that this may be offset by a grim September forecast. While it references the broader context of below-normal rainfall, it doesn't provide detailed data or cite specific sources. The claim is aligned with the overall consensus but lack
Why objectivity (80): The article uses slightly more interpretive language such as 'grim September forecast' which introduces a degree of concern or negativity. While it remains mostly factual, the phrasing suggests a somewhat pessimistic outlook without explicitly stating it as an opinion.
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