Monsoon Withdrawal and Rainfall Patterns Across India

Monsoon Withdrawal Update

The southwest monsoon officially withdrew from all parts of India on Thursday, October 16, which is a day later than the typical date of October 15, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Northeast Monsoon Arrives

The northeast monsoon has commenced in regions including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, and Kerala-Mahe.

Rainfall Statistics

During the four-month southwest monsoon period that concluded on September 30, India experienced a total rainfall of 937.2 mm, which is an 8% increase compared to the normal average of 868.6 mm.

However, rainfall distribution was inconsistent across the country. The eastern and northeastern regions recorded only 1,089.9 mm, which is 20% below the expected levels.

According to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, this year's rainfall in the east and northeast was the second lowest since 1901, with the record low being 1,065.7 mm in 2013.

In contrast, northwestern India saw 747.9 mm of rain, exceeding the normal of 587.6 mm by 27.3%.

Monsoon Onset and Coverage

This year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, marking the earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23.

The monsoon covered the entire country nine days ahead of the usual date of July 8, making it the earliest complete coverage since 2020, when it was achieved by June 26.

Typically, the southwest monsoon arrives in Kerala around June 1, covers the entire nation by July 8, begins to withdraw from northwest India around September 17, and completes its retreat by October 15.

Impact of Heavy Rains

This year, heavy rainfall led to significant flooding in Punjab, where overflowing rivers and breached canals submerged agricultural land and displaced numerous residents. In the Himalayan states, repeated cloudbursts and flash floods caused landslides, damaging infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Central India recorded 1,125.3 mm of rainfall, which is 15.1% above normal, while the southern peninsula experienced a 9.9% surplus over its average of 716.2 mm.

The IMD attributed the increased rainfall to active monsoon conditions, bolstered by frequent western disturbances that enhanced precipitation in the region.