As the southwest monsoon remained subdued this year, the influence of El Niño has become more pronounced, contributing to unusually high temperatures across India. The impact was particularly evident in August, when the country experienced one of its hottest August months in the last 125 years.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India’s average maximum temperature in August was the fourth highest recorded since 1901. The rise in nighttime temperatures was particularly concerning, with several parts of eastern and northeastern India experiencing unusually warm nights.

Night Temperatures Become the Biggest Concern

August is normally considered one of the coolest and wettest months of the monsoon season. However, August 2026 recorded an average temperature of 28.01°C, around 0.67°C above normal.

The biggest contributor to the unusual heat was not daytime temperatures but the lack of cooling after sunset. The average minimum temperature during August stood at 24.36°C, making it the highest average nighttime temperature for August since 1901, according to the IMD.

The average maximum daytime temperature was recorded at 31.66°C, making it the fourth highest on record.

West Bengal, Jharkhand and several parts of the northeastern region witnessed particularly high nighttime temperatures, with some areas recording levels rarely seen during the month.

Monsoon Remains Weak in September

The IMD has forecast that the subdued monsoon trend witnessed during June, July and August is likely to continue through September. Rainfall across the country is expected to remain below normal during September 2026.

The southwest monsoon has remained weaker than usual this year. Between June 4 and August 31, 2026, India received around 14% less rainfall than the long-period average.

The combination of weaker monsoon activity and the growing influence of El Niño has raised concerns over continued heat, reduced rainfall and warmer nights in several parts of the country.

Weather experts are closely monitoring the evolving climate pattern as September progresses, particularly its potential impact on rainfall distribution, agriculture and temperatures across India.

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