Even as devastating floods continue to affect several districts of Upper Assam, the State is witnessing a sharply uneven monsoon pattern, with 17 districts recording deficient rainfall between June 1 and August 5.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Assam received 702 mm of rainfall against the normal 912.5 mm during the period, resulting in a statewide deficit of 23 per cent.
Only three districts recorded excess rainfall, while 12 received normal precipitation. Charaideo recorded the highest excess at 45 per cent, followed by Majuli at 31 per cent and Lakhimpur at 26 per cent.
Nalbari recorded the highest deficit at 61 per cent, placing it in the “largely deficient” category. Dima Hasao registered a 59 per cent shortfall, while Kamrup recorded 57 per cent, Goalpara 55 per cent, Bongaigaon and Udalguri 54 per cent each, and Nagaon 51 per cent.
Other districts with significant rainfall deficits included Darrang at 42 per cent, Hojai and Morigaon at 44 per cent each, Chirang at 37 per cent, Karbi Anglong at 34 per cent, Dhubri at 28 per cent, Barpeta at 26 per cent and Bajali at 38 per cent.
Sivasagar, which has been among the worst flood-affected districts this season, also recorded a 30 per cent rainfall deficit, underscoring the complex and uneven nature of the monsoon across Assam.
The rainfall imbalance extends beyond Assam. Arunachal Pradesh recorded a 36 per cent deficit during the same period, while Meghalaya registered a 31 per cent shortfall. Nagaland recorded a comparatively smaller deficit of six per cent.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast continued rainfall across the Northeast over the coming week, with isolated heavy rain expected in Assam every day until August 12.
The latest IMD bulletin said fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely over Assam and Meghalaya on August 6 and 7 and again on August 12. Scattered rainfall is expected from August 8 to 11. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely over Assam and Meghalaya until August 10.
The forecast comes at a time when the monsoon remains active over the region under the influence of multiple weather systems, raising concerns about fresh flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
Arunachal Pradesh is likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall on August 7-8 and again on August 11-12. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are expected to receive widespread rainfall between August 6 and 12, with isolated heavy rainfall from August 7 onwards. Very heavy rainfall has also been forecast over these states on August 6.
The IMD has cautioned that heavy rain could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, localised landslides in hilly regions and disruption to transport and daily activities.
The weather office has issued crop-specific advisories for farmers across the Northeast.
In Assam, farmers have been advised to keep drainage channels clear and ensure proper drainage in rice nurseries and fields growing jute, sugarcane, soybean, pigeon pea, sesame and vegetables to prevent prolonged waterlogging.
In Meghalaya, farmers have been asked to drain excess water from rice nurseries and fields growing maize, cowpea, okra and ginger. They have also been advised to open drainage channels and provide support to banana plants and other heavily laden crops to reduce damage from strong winds and heavy rain.
For Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, the IMD has recommended proper drainage in soybean, black gram, ginger, turmeric, cole crop and vegetable fields. Bamboo staking has been advised for banana and other vulnerable crops, while farmers have been urged to prevent water stagnation in rice and groundnut fields.
The warning follows significant rainfall across parts of the Northeast during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. Assam recorded heavy rainfall, while Mizoram experienced very heavy rain.
With the monsoon expected to remain active, authorities in Assam and other northeastern states are monitoring river levels and flood-prone areas and have urged residents to follow official weather advisories.
