The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Southwest Monsoon has completely withdrawn from India on Thursday, four days after the normal date of October 15. It began withdrawing from the country on September 25, eight days later than the normal date. Generally, Southwest Monsoon makes its onset in Kerala by 01 June and covers the entire country by 08 July. It started moving back from northwest India around 17 September and fully retreated by 15 October. “The Southwest Monsoon moved away from the rest of the country on October 19,” the IMD said in a statement.
On the other hand, Northeast Monsoon activity has started. The IMD bulletin said that with the onset of easterly/northeasterly winds over south peninsular India, northeast monsoon activity is likely to begin over the region during the next three days. However, the northeast monsoon in general is likely to weaken in the initial phase. Less than normal rainfall has been recorded in the fourth month of monsoon. Rainfall of 820 mm was recorded instead of 868 mm. Average rainfall has decreased due to El Nino.
El Niño has less impact
The IMD said that this time due to Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) some of the deficit of El Niño has eased and this has helped rainfall. India has received “near normal” rainfall this year due to positive IOD, despite less rainfall due to El Nino. Before 2023, India recorded “normal” and “above normal” monsoon rainfall for four consecutive years. If the rainfall is between 96 percent and 104 percent, it is considered normal. El Niño reduces this rainfall as it weakens the monsoon and leads to drought.
The IMD said, “The cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea is now over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move in a northwesterly direction and will reach the central Bay of Bengal by October 20.” “There is a possibility of a low pressure area forming over parts.” Regional Meteorological Center Director HR Biswas said some districts of Odisha will receive light to moderate rains till October 19, while dry weather will prevail across the state from October 20 to 23. After this, rainfall activity will be witnessed at some places over coastal Odisha on October 23 and 24.
Cyclone warning in Mumbai
On the other hand, Mumbai is on cyclone alert. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning in Maharashtra due to possible cyclone in the Arabian Sea. IMD’s weather update on Monday said that a low pressure area is likely to develop over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea during the next 48 hours. October to December is favorable for cyclone formation in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea due to warm sea temperature.