Meghalaya records alarming 74% rainfall deficit, worst in Northeast

Shillong, July 2: Meghalaya, one of the wettest places on Earth, has recorded an alarming 74 per cent rainfall deficit this monsoon season, the highest shortfall among all northeastern states, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability and the state’s fragile ecosystems.

According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the state received only 192.9 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 1, against the normal of 750.8 mm, placing Meghalaya in the “large deficient” category.
The situation was equally grim on July 1, when the state recorded just 3 mm of rainfall against a normal of 28.7 mm, a deficit of nearly 90 per cent.

The shortfall is particularly striking for a state known globally for its heavy rains, with places such as Sohra and Mawsynram frequently ranking among the wettest locations on Earth.

The latest figures come amid growing concerns over the impact of climate change on Meghalaya’s weather patterns.
Chairman of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment, Rakkam A. Sangma, had warned on World Environment Day that the state was already experiencing rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasing water scarcity.

“Climate change is increasingly affecting Meghalaya, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, water scarcity and reduced rainfall becoming growing concerns,” he had said, urging citizens and communities to actively participate in conservation and afforestation efforts.

The monsoon shortfall comes at a critical time for farmers across the state, particularly those engaged in paddy cultivation and horticulture. A prolonged dry spell could affect sowing operations, reduce water availability and impact crop productivity in the coming weeks.

Environmentalists also warn that deficient rainfall could adversely affect river flows, groundwater recharge and the state’s rich biodiversity, besides impacting tourism in destinations that attract visitors during the monsoon season.

The IMD data shows that while the entire East and Northeast India region has recorded a cumulative rainfall deficit of 40 per cent, Meghalaya’s shortfall is by far the most severe in the region. Manipur followed with a 71 per cent deficit, while Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh recorded deficits of 51 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively.

Sikkim was the only northeastern state to receive normal rainfall during the period, recording 15 per cent more rain than usual.

With the monsoon season still underway, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Meghalaya can recover from the sharp deficit or face a prolonged dry spell with significant implications for agriculture, water resources and the environment.

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