Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said conditions were becoming favourable for southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan by September 19.
The announcement marked an important stage in the seasonal rainfall cycle across the country. The southwest monsoon plays a vital role in India’s agricultural sector and normally begins its withdrawal from Rajasthan.
According to the IMD, conditions over some parts of west Rajasthan were likely to support the start of withdrawal by September 19. However, the retreat of the monsoon from Rajasthan would not immediately end rainfall across the country.
The weather agency forecast light rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in west Rajasthan from September 14 to 16. Meanwhile, weather conditions in the region were expected to turn dry from September 19.
The southwest monsoon generally enters the country through Kerala before progressing across different regions. Later, the monsoon begins its withdrawal from Rajasthan as the rainy season moves towards its closing phase.
IMD said rainfall could continue in several parts of central, eastern and southern India from September 19 to 21. Therefore, the start of monsoon withdrawal in Rajasthan would not mean an immediate end to rainfall across these regions.
The weather agency’s forecast indicated that different parts of the country could experience contrasting weather conditions during this period. While west Rajasthan was expected to turn drier, several other regions could continue receiving rain.
The southwest monsoon withdrawal therefore signalled the gradual end of the rainy season. The process was expected to begin from parts of west Rajasthan if the stated weather conditions remained favourable.
Southwest monsoon withdrawal may continue as rain persists elsewhere
Despite the expected withdrawal from Rajasthan, IMD forecast continued rainfall in parts of central India. Eastern and southern regions could also receive rain between September 19 and 21.
The weather pattern showed that monsoon withdrawal would occur in stages rather than ending rainfall nationwide at once. As a result, some regions could continue to experience rain even after withdrawal begins in Rajasthan.
The IMD also linked this year’s monsoon season to El Nino conditions. The source noted that the southwest monsoon had entered the country late this year in the backdrop of El Nino conditions.
El Nino conditions had contributed to rainfall-deficient conditions across the country, according to the source. Rainfall had remained lower during the season as these conditions affected the monsoon.
Earlier, the southwest monsoon had provided the rainfall that supports agricultural activity across India. Its eventual withdrawal now indicates that the rainy season is moving towards its final phase.
The expected September 19 development concerned only some parts of west Rajasthan. Meanwhile, IMD indicated that rain would continue in several parts of central, eastern and southern India through September 21.
As the withdrawal progresses, weather conditions are expected to gradually become drier in areas affected by the retreat. However, the source indicated that rainfall would continue in several other regions during the same period.
The IMD’s latest outlook thus placed September 19 as an important date for the possible beginning of southwest monsoon withdrawal. Further withdrawal would mark the gradual conclusion of the country’s monsoon season.