Meghalaya records unusually dry July, IMD reports rainfall deficit across most districts

Meghalaya, home to some of the world's wettest locations, experienced an unusually dry July this year, with all but one of its 11 districts recording deficient or largely deficient rainfall, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD data showed that five districts received between 50 and nearly 80 per cent less rainfall than normal during the month. South West Khasi Hills was the only district to record above-normal rainfall, registering an 83 per cent surplus.

Even East Khasi Hills district, which is home to Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram—two of the wettest places on Earth—recorded a rainfall deficit of nearly 50 per cent, highlighting the severity of the dry spell.

The district, which typically receives around 2,796 mm of rainfall in July, recorded only 1,403 mm this year.

West Jaintia Hills registered the highest rainfall deficit at 78 per cent, followed by West Garo Hills, which received only 339 mm of rainfall against its normal average of 1,092 mm, marking a shortfall of 69 per cent.

East Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi, South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills were also classified as severely deficient, while West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and East Jaintia Hills fell under the largely deficient category.

The prolonged rainfall deficit has raised concerns over the ongoing agricultural season, with experts warning that continued dry conditions could adversely affect soil moisture, groundwater recharge and river flows across the state.