India’s monsoon has had an unusually weak start and the lackluster rainfall is likely to persist, threatening crops and industrial activity as the El Niño weather phenomenon takes hold.
Nationwide monsoon rainfall was nearly 40% below normal as of Wednesday, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department. The season runs from June through September and is responsible for the bulk of the country’s annual rainfall. The poor start is hampering the growing season for staples from rice to soybeans, as well as disrupting key sectors like construction.
