Geography · 26 Jul 2026

monsoon trough southward shift

With reference to India's monsoon rainfall situation in July 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. As per the IMD, when the monsoon trough is positioned south of its normal location, it favours rainfall over central India at the expense of northeast India.
  2. India's national July rainfall deficit was eliminated after heavy rainfall in Gujarat, driven by the interaction of a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system with a western disturbance.
  3. As of July 24, cumulative monsoon rainfall since June 1 stood above the Long Period Average on a nationwide basis.
  4. East and northeast India recorded the highest percentage seasonal rainfall deficit among all regions during this monsoon season.

How many of the above statements are correct?

AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four
This question is based on: The Deficit Didn't Disappear - It Just Moved: What Gujarat's Deluge Actually Tells Us About the Monsoon
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 26 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

Intense rainfall in Gujarat wiped out India's national July rainfall deficit, but the IMD clarified this recovery came at the cost of continued rainfall shortfall in the northeast, driven by a southward-shifted monsoon trough.

Why for UPSC

UPSC frequently tests whether aspirants can distinguish between monthly and seasonal (cumulative) rainfall statistics and whether they understand the mechanics of the monsoon trough rather than just memorising headline deficit figures.

Prelims summary

The monsoon trough's north-south oscillation redistributes rainfall: a southward shift favours central India at the expense of the northeast. A national deficit figure can mask sharp regional disparities, especially between monthly and cumulative seasonal rainfall data.

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