IMD Satellite Image Reveals Uneven Monsoon Spread As India’s Rain Deficit Narrows to 11%
India’s southwest monsoon continues to show an uneven pattern despite signs of gradual recovery, with the latest satellite imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) capturing a striking contrast in cloud distribution across the country.
While dense cloud bands blanketed western and central India, large stretches of the northwest and the Indo-Gangetic plains remained relatively cloud-free, underscoring the patchy nature of this year’s monsoon.
According to the IMD’s latest rainfall data, India has recorded 395.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 446.3 mm since June 4, leaving the country with an overall seasonal deficit of 11%.
Although the nationwide shortfall has narrowed considerably from the severe deficits seen in June, the recovery has remained patchy, with several Hindi belt states continuing to report below-normal rainfall.
A satellite image captured by INSAT-3DS on Saturday morning showed an active weather system over western India, where a depression has been driving widespread rainfall over Gujarat and adjoining regions. By contrast, cloud cover over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and large parts of Uttar Pradesh remained fragmented, reflecting weak monsoon activity over northwest India.
Weather experts said the monsoon trough, or monsoon axis, is expected to shift northwards again, improving rainfall prospects over northwestern states in the days ahead.
Starting Sunday, moderate passing showers are expected to pick up over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, though rainfall coverage is likely to remain limited to around 20-30% of the geographical area meaning not every district or city will see rain during this initial phase of revival.
A more marked improvement is expected between August 3 and August 5, when moderate to heavy rainfall spells of 40-100 mm are forecast across Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Haryana. During this window, rainfall coverage is expected to expand to 40-70%, offering relief to regions that have seen one of the weakest monsoon performances this season.
Meanwhile, south and central Rajasthan are likely to witness heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday as the monsoon system strengthens over western India.
Despite the improving outlook, meteorologists caution that truly widespread rainfall across northwest India may not materialise until early next week. The delayed and inconsistent advance of the monsoon has left many parts of the region grappling with prolonged rainfall deficits, even as western India contends with flood-producing downpours.
The evolving weather pattern once again highlights the highly uneven distribution of this year’s monsoon, with some regions battling floods while others continue to wait for sustained seasonal rains.