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India August Hydro Generation Falls on Weak Monsoon, September Rainfall Seen Below Normal

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India's hydroelectricity generation fell 12% from Aug. 1 through Aug. 29, as weak monsoon rainfall reduced water availability, according to Ministry of Power data released Tuesday.

Hydropower output reached 19.46 gigawatts through Aug. 29, down from 21.99 GW during the same period in 2025.

Rainfall fell 16% below the long-period average last month as strengthening El Nino conditions brought drier weather, the India Meteorological Department said.

The June-to-September monsoon now faces another weak month, while a 14% rainfall deficit has reduced soil moisture and lowered reservoir levels, the data showed.

India's Meteorological Department expects rainfall in September 2026 to be below normal, with many parts of the country likely to receive less than 91% of the long-period average.

Average maximum temperatures in September 2026 are likely to run above normal across most of India, while minimum temperatures may also exceed normal levels in most areas.

Farmers have increased electricity use for irrigation as dry conditions keep temperatures elevated, while weaker evening solar output has contributed to small power shortages, according to a Bloomberg report.

The government also extended an emergency rule earlier this year to keep a large coal-fired plant operating through the monsoon, helping offset weaker hydroelectric generation.

Hydropower provides nearly 11% of India's generation capacity, while total hydro capacity has grown about a fifth over the past decade to 52 GW, with run-of-river projects dominating, according to the report.

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