Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025 17:30 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025 00:38 [IST]
GANGTOK, : Sikkim is experiencing a monsoon shortfall, with a 35% rainfall deficit
recorded from June to July 8, according to the Indian Meteorological Department
(IMD), Gangtok. The Himalayan State has received only 365 mm of rainfall during
this period, against the normal average of 559 mm.
IMD
Gangtok directorGopinathRaha explained that the primary reason behind this
deficiency is the unusual positioning of the monsoon trough. “Rainfall in
Sikkim mainly occurs when the monsoon trough passes over or near the region,
drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal. However, over the past 38 days, the
trough has remained south of its normal position,” he said.
This
shift has been caused by multiple low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of
Bengal in recent weeks, which have consistently pulled the eastern end of the
monsoon trough southwards. As a result, Sikkim and other Northeastern regions
have seen limited rainfall activity.
Comparative
data reveals the severity of the current shortfall. In June 2023, Sikkim
received 66% excess rainfall. Similarly, 2022 and 2021 recorded 44% and 15%
above-normal rainfall respectively. This year marks a rare deficit after four
consecutive years of surplus monsoon activity.
Forecasts
for July indicate near-normal to slightly below-normal rainfall for the State.
“Unless
the monsoon trough shifts northward to its typical path, there is little
likelihood of widespread rainfall. Scattered or light rain may occur
occasionally, but no major system is expected in the immediate future to
compensate for the deficit,” Raha added.
