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India's January Rainfall Plummets 31.5%, Winter Temperatures Soar Above Normal

India recorded a significant 31.5% rainfall deficit in January 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department. The shortfall was most acute in East and Northeast India at 86.2% and Central India at 79.4% below normal. Concurrently, temperatures across the country remained above normal, with the all-India mean temperature 0.28 degrees Celsius higher than average. Only South Peninsular India received near-normal rainfall, registering 10.9% above the long-period average.

Key Points: India's January Rainfall Deficit 31.5%, IMD Reports Warm Winter

  • 31.5% below-normal rainfall in January
  • Massive 86.2% shortfall in East & Northeast India
  • January 2026 temperatures warmer than normal
  • Mean temperature 0.28°C above all-India average
  • South Peninsular India only region with above-normal rain
2 min read

India records 31.5 per cent below-normal rainfall in January, warm temperatures: IMD

IMD reports India's January rainfall 31.5% below normal with severe deficits in East & Central India, alongside above-normal winter temperatures nationwide.

"Northwest India recorded 12.1 per cent less rainfall, while East and Northeast India saw a massive 86.2 per cent shortfall. - Mrutyunjay Mohapatra Jenamani"

New Delhi, January 31

India recorded 31.5 per cent below-normal rainfall in January even as temperatures across the country remained above normal, the India Meteorological Department said.

Speaking at a press conference, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra Jenamani, said rainfall during the month remained deficient over Northwest India, East and Northeast India, and Central India, while South Peninsular India received near-normal rainfall, registering 10.9 per cent above the long-period average.

The deficit was particularly acute across large parts of East and North East India, and central India.

"Northwest India recorded 12.1 per cent less rainfall, while East and Northeast India saw a massive 86.2 per cent shortfall. Central India also witnessed the decline, with rainfall plunging 79.4 per cent below normal," Jenamani said.

Jenamani also indicated that January 2026 temperatures were warmer than normal across several regions, continuing the recent trend of rising winter temperatures.

At the all-India level, the mean temperature stood at 18.31 degrees Celsius, which was 0.28 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature averaged 24.77 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 11.86 degrees Celsius, both higher than the long-term average.

In Northwest India, the mean temperature during January was 12.41 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while East and Northeast India recorded a mean temperature of 17.24 degrees Celsius, nearly one degree above normal. Central India recorded a mean temperature of 20.44 degrees Celsius, and South Peninsular India recorded 24.20 degrees Celsius, both higher than their respective normals, according to IMD data.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi, I can definitely feel the warmer winter. We barely needed our heavy woolens this January. It's not just about comfort; these temperature shifts have long-term ecological consequences. The data from IMD makes it official.
P
Priyanka N
While the South got near-normal rain, the deficit elsewhere is alarming. It shows how uneven climate impact can be within one country. We need more aggressive water conservation and rainwater harvesting policies at a national level. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
The IMD does a great job with data, but I respectfully think we need more actionable forecasts and early warnings for farmers at the district level. Just reporting the deficit afterwards isn't enough. Proactive measures are key.
M
Michael C
The mean temperature being above normal across all regions is the bigger story here. This is a clear trend year on year. It will affect everything from agriculture to energy demand for cooling. A serious national conversation is needed.
K
Kavya N
In Bangalore, we had a couple of good showers this month, so the 'near-normal' for South Peninsula checks out. But my family in Bihar was saying how dry it is. Hope this doesn't lead to water scarcity issues by summer. 🙏

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