India experienced its hottest August since 1901, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a 14% rainfall deficit across the country.
The monsoon season, which typically provides the bulk of India's annual rainfall, has seen uneven distribution, leaving several regions facing severe water scarcity.
The IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for September, raising concerns about the impact on kharif crop yields and overall agricultural output for the 2026 season.