India witnessed an extremely poor winter rainfall season this year, with a pan-India deficit of 60%.

February turned out to be the worst performer, recording an alarming 81% shortfall. The country received just 4.2 mm rainfall against the normal of 22.7 mm, making February 2026 the driest since 1960.

North India reported an 85% deficit, while Northeast India saw over 90% shortfall.

Lack of active western disturbances led to sparse rain and minimal snowfall in the hills. Bihar, Gujarat, and Konkan & Goa recorded 100% deficiency.

However, Kerala, Karnataka and the Island territories were exceptions, registering above-normal rainfall. This marks the seventh consecutive year without surplus winter rain.