New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced further withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon, marking the retreat of the season from major parts of the country. As of October 13, 2024, the monsoon has officially withdrawn from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya and the northwest Bay of Bengal.
In the coming two days, the IMD expects the Southwest Monsoon to withdraw from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra and the north Bay of Bengal. After this, the monsoon will likely withdraw from the entire country. At the same time, with the onset of easterly and northeasterly winds, the northeast Monsoon is expected to bring rainfall to the southeastern peninsular region.
Depression over Arabian Sea intensifies
Meanwhile, a depression over the Arabian Sea has intensified, which is centred about 860 km southeast of Masirah, Oman. The system is expected to move towards the Oman coast over the next two days. Apart from that, an upper air cyclonic circulation over north interior Tamil Nadu is influencing weather patterns, while another system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to form a low-pressure area, which could bring heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh in the next 48 hours.
Heavy rainfall in south India
The IMD has forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall across southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema on October 16, while Kerala, Mahe and Karnataka may also experience heavy showers in the coming days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are set to receive heavy rainfall from October 15-16.
Scattered rainfall in west and central India
For west and central India, scattered rainfall is expected in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. However, Northwest, Northeast, and East India are unlikely to witness huge rainfall during the week. With changing monsoon patterns and multiple weather systems in play, various parts of the country are set to experience a mix of rainfall intensities and dry spells in the days ahead.
