Guwahati: Meghalaya has recorded the country’s highest rainfall deficit during the 2026 southwest monsoon, with the season nearing its end.
The state is one of India’s rainiest and is home to some of the wettest places on Earth. The lack of rain indicates drought-like conditions that could affect farming and water availability.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Meghalaya had received 59 per cent less rainfall than normal by September 15.
Ten of the state’s 11 districts recorded either deficient rainfall, which is 20 to 59 per cent below normal, or large deficient rainfall, which is 60 to 99 per cent below normal.
West Jaintia Hills recorded the biggest shortfall, with rainfall 79 per cent below normal. In East Khasi Hills, which is home to Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, the deficit stood at 53 per cent. Southwest Khasi Hills was the only district to receive more rain than normal, with an excess of 58 per cent as of September 15.
Meghalaya has faced a major rainfall shortage since the start of the 2026 southwest monsoon. On July 1, after the first month of the season, rainfall in the state was 74 per cent below normal, the highest deficit among states where the monsoon had already arrived.
The deficit had dropped to 58 per cent by July 31, but Meghalaya still had the highest shortfall in the country. The figure remained unchanged at 58 per cent on August 31.
The decline seen this year also follows a longer-term trend in Meghalaya. An IMD study of monsoon rainfall between 1989 and 2018 found a significant decrease in rainfall over the 30-year period.
Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in Meghalaya, supporting around 77 per cent of the working population and contributing 21 per cent to the state’s economy. However, crops are grown on only 15.28 per cent of the state’s area, covering around 3.43 lakh hectares across five agro-climatic zones. Just 31,796 hectares have access to net irrigation.
Much of the state’s farmland depends on streams and springs for irrigation, with both being fed by rainfall. If dry conditions continue for a long period, the livelihoods of many people in the state could be affected. Springs are also an important source of drinking water and are already facing pressure from human activities.
Around 80 per cent of Meghalaya’s villages depend heavily on springs for drinking water and irrigation, according to a conference paper by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA).
The MBDA is responsible for preparing the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) for Meghalaya.
The paper said activities such as mining, unsustainable agriculture and forest resource extraction have affected the springs.
About 50 per cent of the springs have either dried up or recorded lower water discharge as a result, while rural communities see changes in spring water quality as signs of wider changes in climate and land use.
Climate change mitigation and adaptation planning in Meghalaya’s SAPCC 2023-2030 covers eight priority sectors, including agriculture and allied activities. The state published the plan in 2025.