India’s monsoon season concludes as heavy rains continue in certain regions until October 20.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is projected to withdraw from India by October 16. This forecast aligns closely with the typical schedule, which generally sees the monsoon retreat around October 15. The IMD bases its announcements regarding the withdrawal of the monsoon on three primary criteria: the absence of rainfall activity over the region for five consecutive days, a significant drop in moisture levels, and the presence of an anticyclonic circulation in the lower atmosphere.
In addition to the monsoon’s retreat, the IMD has indicated that the northeast monsoon, often referred to as the winter monsoon, is anticipated to commence over the eastern peninsular region of India within the next two days. This transition marks a significant shift in weather patterns across the country.
Despite the impending withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, the IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in several areas. Regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahé town in Puducherry are expected to experience substantial rainfall until October 20. Furthermore, south-interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and the Yanam and Rayalaseema regions are also forecasted to receive heavy rain until Thursday.
This year, India has witnessed its fifth wettest monsoon season since 2001, with total rainfall reaching 937.2 mm between June and September. This figure is approximately 8% above the average rainfall expected during this period. The heavy rainfall has had various impacts across the country, influencing agricultural practices and water resources.
As the monsoon season draws to a close, the focus will likely shift towards managing the aftermath of the rains and preparing for the upcoming winter monsoon. The IMD’s detailed forecasts will continue to play a crucial role in helping various sectors, including agriculture and disaster management, to adapt to changing weather conditions.
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