Monsoon's final burst shrinks India's rain deficit from 15% to 12% in a week

Late-season rain from Bay systems and a Western Disturbance lifted monsoon totals across several regions. The spell narrowed the national deficit as the southwest monsoon entered withdrawal.

In Short

• IMD recorded 750.3 mm rainfall against 852.9 mm normal by September 28
• Low-pressure systems and a Western Disturbance revived rain across regions
• Central and northern states gained after uneven monsoon distribution left deficits

India's monsoon has received a much-needed final boost, with a fresh spell of rainfall across several parts of the country shrinking the seasonal rainfall deficit from 15% to 12% in just one week, as a series of low-pressure systems and a Western Disturbance brought widespread showers across northern, northeastern, central and southern India.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the country received 750.3 mm of rainfall against the normal of 852.9 mm between June 1 and September 28, leaving a cumulative deficit of 12%.

A week earlier, on September 21, the country had recorded 697 mm of rainfall against the normal of 818.8 mm, translating into a deficit of 15%.

The improvement comes as the monsoon enters its withdrawal phase, with September's final rainfall spells helping narrow the gap left by deficient rainfall during several crucial periods of the season.

LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEMS BRING WIDESPREAD RAIN

A series of low-pressure systems developing over the Bay of Bengal, combined with a Western Disturbance moving across northern India, helped revive rainfall across multiple regions.

The systems brought moisture-laden winds and widespread showers, with several areas receiving significant rainfall after prolonged dry spells.

The rainfall was particularly important for central and northern India, where uneven monsoon distribution had left several states with seasonal deficits.

The northeastern states also received rainfall during the period, while parts of southern India benefited from the movement of weather systems and associated moisture.

The latest spell has helped improve the seasonal rainfall position in several states, although the distribution of rainfall remains uneven across the country.

ODISHA AMONG THE BENEFICIARIES

Odisha recorded 1,476.8 mm of rainfall against its normal of 1,378.8 mm, registering an excess of 7% by September 28.

The state had received 1,228.9 mm against a normal of 1,091.6 mm a week earlier, indicating further rainfall during the final week.

Meanwhile, several states continue to experience seasonal deficits, with parts of the northwest, peninsular India and northeastern region still reporting below-normal rainfall.

MONSOON WITHDRAWAL GATHERS PACE

The rainfall improvement comes as the southwest monsoon begins its gradual retreat from northwest India.

While the final spell has reduced the nationwide deficit, the seasonal rainfall picture remains mixed, with some regions recording excess rainfall and others continuing to face shortfalls.

The coming days will determine how much further the monsoon can narrow the deficit before its withdrawal concludes.

- Ends