The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan, close to its normal retreat window. The India Meteorological Department's withdrawal line moved through parts of the state as the season entered its final phase.
The retreat is starting against an uneven rainfall picture. The Indian Express, citing IMD data, reported that about 43% of India's geographical area was rain-deficient and countrywide rainfall through September 19 was 15% below normal.
At the same time, a low-pressure system over the North Andaman Sea was expected to strengthen while moving toward the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. That means monsoon withdrawal in the northwest can coincide with a new spell of intense rain farther east - a useful reminder that withdrawal is a regional process, not an instant end to rainfall across India.
