Monsoon’s retreat in sight, but rain not over yet: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Monday that the Southwest Monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from Northwest India around September 19. The normal date for the monsoon’s withdrawal from Northwest India is September 17, with a standard deviation of four days.

Last year, the retreat began on September 14. Before the retreat begins, however, the region is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The weather activity is expected to be linked to a low-pressure system over north Gujarat, while adjoining areas of Rajasthan are likely to remain under monsoon influence for the next two to three days.

With just a fortnight left in the four-month monsoon season, IMD rainfall data showed that nearly 43 per cent of the country remained rainfall deficient. The season is most likely to end with significantly below-average rainfall across much of the southern peninsular region.

Other areas expected to record substantial deficits include Goa (-16 per cent), Haryana (-23 per cent), Punjab (-40 per cent), Bihar (-35 per cent), Rajasthan (-25 per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (-42 per cent), Manipur (-42 per cent), Assam (-25 per cent) and Meghalaya (-59 per cent).

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to be an exception, with rainfall likely to remain closer to normal.