The Southwest Monsoon has remained stalled across the country, with no further advance along its northern limit.

The western end has been stuck at Harnai in Maharashtra since June 8, while the eastern edge remains over Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

As a result, rainfall deficits are increasing rapidly, leaving nearly 66% of India either rain deficient or facing large rainfall shortages. Central India is the worst affected, with rainfall deficits ranging between 70% and 80%.

While western disturbances have helped maintain near-normal rainfall over parts of northwest India, monsoon progress is expected to remain sluggish. June’s rainfall deficit may soon cross 40% and could approach 50% by month-end, raising concerns for agriculture.

No major weather system is currently developing over the Bay of Bengal to support monsoon advancement.