Monsoon withdrawal to begin from September 15: Punjab, Haryana & Himachal see surplus rainfall
PTC Web Desk: The southwest monsoon, which has been far more active than usual this year, is set to begin its withdrawal from northwest India on September 15, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks the earliest retreat since 2015, when the withdrawal began on September 4. Normally, the monsoon starts receding around September 17 and fully withdraws from the country by mid-October.
The surplus rainfall has caused widespread devastation in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, with several dams witnessing record inflows and low-lying areas experiencing severe flooding. Overall, the northwest region has received 35% above the long-period average (LPA) rainfall this season. From June 1 to September 10, the region recorded 720 mm of rain, compared to the LPA of 534.2 mm.
Across India, the monsoon has been 7% above normal so far. However, while northwestern states saw excess rains, parts of the northeast and Bihar suffered significant rainfall deficits.
States with rainfall deficit
According to IMD data, four states reported deficient rainfall this season: Meghalaya: 45% deficit; Arunachal Pradesh: 41% deficit; Assam: 33% deficit and Bihar: 32% deficit.
Seven other states and UTs, including Kerala, Lakshadweep, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Manipur, received rainfall below the LPA, though still within the “normal” range. The IMD considers a deviation of up to 20% above or below the LPA as normal.
Punjab: 51% above normal rainfall: Punjab has witnessed unusually heavy rains this season. The state received 616.8 mm of rainfall, compared to the LPA of 408 mm, marking a 51% surplus. Tarn Taran: 166% above normal (wettest district); Gurdaspur: 101% surplus and Barnala: 97% surplus.
Haryana: 42% above normal rainfall
Haryana recorded 564.7 mm of rainfall, against an LPA of 398.8 mm, which is 42% above normal.
Fatehabad: 144% surplus (wettest district)
Mahendragarh: 122% surplus
Kurukshetra: 103% surplus
Himachal Pradesh: 42% above normal rainfall
Himachal Pradesh also received significantly higher rainfall, logging 971 mm against the LPA of 682.4 mm — a 42% surplus. Kullu: 113% surplus (wettest district); Shimla: 107% surplus and Solan: 73% surplus.
The IMD predicts light to moderate showers in some parts of Himachal Pradesh, and isolated to scattered rainfall in Punjab and Haryana over the coming fortnight as the monsoon begins its retreat.
The IMD stated that neutral El Niño conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean and are expected to last through the monsoon season. Typically, El Niño weakens the Indian monsoon, but neutral conditions mean minimal impact this year.
Looking ahead, there is a higher probability of La Niña developing during the post-monsoon season, which could bring increased rainfall and cooler-than-normal temperatures.
- With inputs from agencies
