Monsoon withdrawal to begin from September 19; rainfall deficit holds at 15%

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that monsoon withdrawal is expected to commence from September 19. The national rainfall deficit remains at 15% as of the latest assessment.

Before the withdrawal phase begins, the IMD expects fairly widespread rains over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh from September 15-17. Punjab, Haryana and Delhi are forecast to receive significant rainfall on September 16 and 17.

The rainfall shortfall has persisted through the monsoon season, though the IMD's forecast suggests regional precipitation will continue in northern areas in the coming days.