Monsoon Retreats: Central India recorded highest rainfall, Eastern states suffer 17 percent shortfall
The monsoon withdrawal has commenced across the country. On Monday, the southwest monsoon retreated from western Rajasthan and the Kutch region of Gujarat. In the next 24 hours, it will also leave western Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Gujarat
The southwest monsoon has begun its retreat across parts of India, marking a significant transition in the weather pattern following a season of abundant rainfall. This season, India has experienced a 5 percent increase in monsoon rainfall compared to normal levels. As of September 24, total rainfall reached 886.9 mm, surpassing the normal of 843.2 mm. Notably, 49 percent of the country recorded normal rainfall, while 25 percent saw above-normal levels, and 9 percent experienced excessive rainfall. However, 17percent of the area still faces a rainfall deficit.
Central India recorded the highest rainfall, with a 16 percent increase over normal levels, followed by western India at 15 percent and northwestern regions at 5 percent . In contrast, the eastern and northeastern parts of the country are still experiencing a 17 percent shortfall in rainfall.
On Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the monsoon started withdrawing from western Rajasthan and the Kutch region of Gujarat, albeit five days later than anticipated. Initially expected to start on September 17, the retreat commenced on September 23.
In the next 24 hours, the monsoon will also depart from Punjab, Haryana, and additional areas in Gujarat. Despite the monsoon's withdrawal, a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring continued rainfall to several states across the country.
Heavy rain is anticipated in southern states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka on September 25. The Konkan region and Goa are expected to receive rain between September 24 and 26, while Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada will see rainfall from September 25 to 26. Saurashtra and Kutch are likely to experience heavy rains between September 26 and 28.
In Central India, regions like Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are forecasted to receive substantial rainfall from September 25 to 27. Additionally, Odisha will see heavy rains from September 23 to 26, with West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, and Jharkhand expected to experience significant precipitation from September 25 to 27. Northeastern states are likely to receive rainfall from September 24 to 29, while Uttarakhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh are also poised for heavy downpours from September 25 to 27.
