According to the Meteorological Department, the period from September 1 to January 15 saw a drastic reduction in rainfall, with Sindh experiencing a 52 per cent decrease and Balochistan witnessing a 45 per cent shortfall.
The centre has sounded an alarm over the likely impact of El Niño on India's 2026 southwest monsoon, warning that 315 districts across 12 states could face significant rainfall deficits during the crucial kharif cropping season.