Monsoon withdrawal expected after October 12: IMD

Hyderabad: While the official date for Southwest monsoon’s withdrawal was September 30, Indian Meteorological Department indicate that the season might extend up until the third week of October. IMD has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next five days in Telangana, while it has been normal until Friday.

IMD has also predicted thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds in Maharashtra across Thane, Mumbai, Pune and Raigad. States such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh received excess rains during the last two months.

While explaining the delayed monsoon, Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology in Skymet weather told NewsMeter, “This time withdrawal of monsoon is delayed because successive low-pressure areas have been developing over the Bay of Bengal. They travel westward, going over Rajasthan and Northern states. Usually, by the end of September, they change direction and start moving from North West and West direction leading to a significant decrease in humidity levels. However, this time, the weather persists, and there is a cyclonic circulation over the western parts of the country. Humidity levels are high, and it’s still raining over Rajasthan.”

He added that a trough would form over the north-western parts between October 9 and 12, 2019. Afterwards, the weather system will weaken, and by October 13 and 14, winds will start to change direction. “Rainfalls will seize, and there will be a considerable drop in humidity. At present, it is 60-70 per cent, which will come down to 15-20 per cent. Monsoon withdrawal will be declared any time after October 12,” stated Mahesh.