IMD Predicts Below Normal Monsoon At 90% LPA, Sparks Inflation Fears

The India Meteorological Department has revised its 2026 monsoon forecast, predicting below-normal rainfall at 90% of the Long Period Average. This marks a drop from its earlier estimate of 92%. The weather department expects June rainfall to be below normal and anticipates weak rains in central India. The southwest monsoon accounts for a majority of India's annual rainfall and is critical for the broader economy. The revised forecast raises concerns about a potential negative impact on kharif crop output, which could subsequently lead to higher inflation.