Monsoon spread uneven: Satellite captures strange image, rain deficit at 11%

IMD satellite imagery showed dense monsoon clouding over western India but fragmented cover across the northwest. The contrast reflected an 11% seasonal rain deficit and the uneven recovery of the monsoon.South and central Rajasthan are likely to witness heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday. (Photo: IMD)India's southwest monsoon continues to display an uneven pattern despite signs of gradual recovery, with the latest satellite imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) capturing a striking contrast in cloud distribution across the country.While dense cloud bands covered western and central parts of the country, large stretches of northwest and Indo-Gangetic plains remained relatively cloud-free, highlighting the patchy nature of this year's monsoon.According to the IMD's latest rainfall data, India has received 395.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 446.3 mm since June 4, leaving the country with an overall seasonal deficit of 11%. Although the nationwide shortfall has narrowed considerably from the severe deficits seen in June, the recovery has remained uneven, with several Hindi belt states continuing to report below-normal rainfall.The satellite image taken by INSAT-3DS on Saturday morning showed an active weather system over western India, where a depression has been driving widespread rainfall over Gujarat and adjoining regions. In contrast, cloud cover across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and large parts of Uttar Pradesh remained fragmented, reflecting the weak monsoon activity over northwest India. Weather experts said the monsoon trough, or monsoon axis, is expected to shift northwards again, improving rainfall prospects over northwestern states in the coming days.Beginning Sunday, moderate passing showers are likely to increase over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, although rainfall coverage is expected to remain limited to around 20-30% of the geographical area. This means not every district or city is likely to receive rain during the initial phase of the revival.A more significant improvement is expected between August 3 and August 5, when moderate to heavy rainfall spells of 40-100 mm are forecast across Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Haryana. During this period, the geographical coverage of rainfall is expected to increase to 40-70%, bringing relief to regions that have experienced one of the weakest monsoon performances this season.Meanwhile, south and central Rajasthan are likely to witness heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday as the monsoon system strengthens over western India.Despite the improving outlook, meteorologists caution that truly widespread rainfall across northwest India may still take until early next week. The delayed and inconsistent advance of the monsoon has left many parts of the region struggling with prolonged rainfall deficits even as western India grapples with flood-producing downpours.The evolving weather pattern once again underscores the highly uneven distribution of this year's monsoon, with some regions battling floods while others continue to wait for sustained seasonal rains.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Aug 2, 2026 11:11 IST