Monsoon begins withdrawal from Rajasthan

It is the beginning of the end for southwest monsoon this year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announcing withdrawal of the monsoon from West Rajasthan on September 25. This is a week behind the normal withdrawal date of September 17.

As of Monday, monsoon rainfall over India was 5% below what’s usual for this time of the year.

Under the impact of an El Nino, India was staring at drought-like condition with August – a key monsoon month – registering a deficit of nearly 36% of what’s usual.

However excessive rainfall in September, nearly 16% above normal, over most parts of India – except the east and northeastern India – shored up the overall numbers to reduce India’s deficit.