The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall in several regions of south, central, and northwest India. Moreover, the southwest monsoon has officially retreated from the entire country, as confirmed by the IMD on Thursday. This withdrawal occurred four days later than the typical date of October 15. Notably, the monsoon had commenced its withdrawal on September 25, which was eight days past the usual start date.
The IMD issued a statement, announcing, “The Southwest Monsoon has withdrawn today, October 19, from the remaining parts of the country.” During the last 24 hours leading up to this announcement, there were no significant recorded rainfall activities.
Initial phase of Northeast Monsoon weak
The meteorological department has also forecasted the onset of the northeast monsoon, often referred to as the winter monsoon, within the next three days. However, the official release from the IMD suggests that the initial phase of the northeast monsoon is expected to be relatively weak.
As easterly and northeasterly winds establish themselves over southern peninsular India, the commencement of Northeast Monsoon rainfall activity is expected in the region over the next three days. Nevertheless, the IMD has indicated that the initial phase of the Northeast Monsoon is anticipated to be relatively weak.
Possibility of drizzle, moderate rain during Durga Puja
The Meteorological Office announced on Thursday that festival-goers will not face rain until ‘Ashtami,’ which falls on October 22 during Navratri. However, there is a possibility of light drizzle in the city and coastal districts on ‘Navami,’ the ninth day of Navratri, on October 23. This drizzle may intensify on the following day, ‘Dashami,’ which is the last day of the festival.
“There will be fair weather Ashtami. On ‘Navami’ there will be only light rain in coastal South and North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and some parts of Kolkata. From ‘Dashami’, i.e October 24 the intensity of the rain will increase from light to moderate in these areas. In the remaining Gangetic areas of West Bengal there will be light rain. North Bengal districts will remain dry,” IMD East, Director, Sanjib Banerjee said.
Region-wise rainfall warning
In South India, isolated heavy falls are likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala on October 24 and 25.
In Northwest India, due to the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance, there is a forecast of light rainfall and snowfall in the Western Himalayan Region from October 21 to 23, along with light rainfall over adjoining plains on October 21 and 22.
Northeast India can anticipate light to moderate isolated and scattered rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in the latter half of the week.
East India is likely to experience light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands throughout the week, with isolated to scattered rainfall expected over West Bengal and Odisha during the second half of the week.