Monsoon finally begins retreat after delivering 5% excess rains over India; five regions still struggle with deficit

After drenching much of India, the southwest monsoon is now slowly making its exit, starting with western Rajasthan and Kutch. Despite delivering 5% more rain than the seasonal average across the country, its withdrawal commenced on Monday. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted another round of widespread showers for several regions in the coming days.

Monsoon withdrawal delayed but conditions favourable

The IMD confirmed that the monsoon’s retreat began on September 23, later than the usual date of September 17.

“Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from some parts of West Rajasthan and Kachchh on September 23, 2024, against the normal date of September 17. Conditions are favourable for further withdrawal of southwest monsoon from some more parts of West Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat during the next 24 hours,” said the IMD in a statement.

Five subdivisions hit by deficient rainfall

While much of India has been soaked by the monsoon, five meteorological subdivisions have reported alarmingly low rainfall. Jammu and Kashmir experienced a 26% rainfall deficit, Himachal Pradesh (-20%), Arunachal Pradesh (-30%), Bihar (-28%), and Punjab (-27%) were also left high and dry.

In contrast, nine other subdivisions witnessed a surplus, with Rajasthan topping the list at a whopping 74% above normal, followed by Gujarat with 68%, along with other states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

What to expect in the coming days

Though the monsoon has begun its retreat, the IMD has its eyes on a developing low-pressure system over the west-central Bay of Bengal. This could bring significant rainfall to states along the eastern coast in the coming week. For areas like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of central and northeastern India, “fairly widespread rains with very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” are expected.

So while the monsoon is starting to exit, some parts of the country should keep their umbrellas handy just a little longer.

(With inputs from PTI)