Monsoon Withdrawal Continues – Significant Deficit in Rainfall

New Delhi. The Meteorological Department states that the Southwest Monsoon is rapidly withdrawing from various parts of the country, paving the way for the Northeast Monsoon. On Saturday, October 10, the country recorded merely 1 mm of rainfall, which was 63 percent below the normal average of 2.8 mm. During the period from June 1 to September 30, national rainfall was 12.6 percent below the Long Period Average.

Compared to the normal average, rainfall on October 10 was 45 percent lower in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, while deficits of 39 percent and 61 percent were recorded in the northwestern region and southern division, respectively. Furthermore, a significant lack of rainfall was observed in the central states as well.

However, heavy rainfall occurred on October 11–12 in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and neighboring states. Severe waterlogging in Punjab's *mandis* (grain markets) has raised fears that approximately 40,000 tonnes of paddy could be ruined; this stock had been brought to the markets for sale at government procurement centers.

According to the Meteorological Department, the Southwest Monsoon is likely to withdraw completely from the country by October 15. Its withdrawal is proceeding at a rapid pace.