Southwest monsoon set to begin withdrawal from September 15: IMD

The primary rain-bearing system usually makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8.

The southwest monsoon is likely to start withdrawing from parts of northwest India around September 15, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

Typically, the monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1, covers the entire country by July 8, and begins its retreat around September 17, completing the withdrawal process by October 15.

“Conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from some areas of west Rajasthan around September 15,” the IMD noted.

This year, the monsoon advanced faster than usual, covering the entire country nine days ahead of schedule. It reached Kerala on May 24, the earliest onset since 2009, and became nationwide by June 30, the quickest progress since 2020.

So far, the country has received 836.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 778.6 mm, reflecting a 7% surplus. Earlier in May, the IMD had forecast that India would receive 106% of the long-period average rainfall of 87 cm during the June–September season. Rainfall between 96–104% of this 50-year average is classified as normal.

The monsoon remains crucial for India’s economy, supporting agriculture that sustains nearly 42% of the population and contributes 18.2% to the GDP, while also replenishing reservoirs vital for drinking water and power generation.

*With Agency Inputs