2023: the El Niño year India had its driest August since 1901

The 2023 El Niño, rated weak by IMD, did its damage in one month.

A record dry August. IMD's climate summary for August 2023 says all-India rain was 162.7 mm against a normal of 254.9 mm, 36% below normal. That was the lowest August rain since records began in 1901. The previous lowest was 191.2 mm, in 2005.

A recovery either side. IMD's end-of-season report says July and September were both 113% of normal. The season ended at 94% of the long-period average, and the core monsoon zone got 101%.

The Indian Ocean helped. IMD notes that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole emerged at the end of August. A positive IOD tends to favour monsoon rain and can partly offset El Niño's drying effect (IMD FAQ).

The lesson. Season totals can hide long dry spells. In 2023 a record dry August sat inside a season that ended at 94% of normal.

For 2026. This year's monsoon ended at 87% of the long-period average, with August at 84% (IMD, 30 Sep 2026). Agencies differ on whether the IOD will turn positive this autumn.

Join the El Niño help room on soshyal.com to ask questions and share what you see in your area.