The Southwest Monsoon has remained sluggish across India, with its northern limit stuck from Harnai in Konkan to Muzaffarpur in Bihar for over a week.

As a result, the countrywide rainfall deficit has widened sharply to 40% between June 1 and June 18.

Central India is the worst affected with a 63% shortfall, followed by East and Northeast India at 46%.

Even Northwest India, which earlier had surplus rainfall, has slipped into a 2% deficit category.

East Rajasthan continues to lead with 84% excess rainfall, while Kerala is nearing deficit status with a 17% shortfall.

The lack of strong monsoon systems over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has weakened rainfall activity.

A weak low-pressure system around June 25 may bring some revival, mainly over Northeast India, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka and Goa.