India Bids Farewell to a Delayed Monsoon: Southwest Rains Officially Withdraw

The Indian subcontinent has officially marked the complete withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declaring its departure from the entire country on October 26, 2023. This event brings to a close a season that, while vital for India's agriculture and economy, proved to be one of the most protracted in recent history.

According to the IMD's announcement, the monsoon's exit was notably delayed, making it the second most postponed withdrawal since 1975.

The only year with a later exit was 2010. This extended stay led to prolonged rainfall in various regions, impacting agricultural cycles and influencing subsequent weather patterns.

Reflecting on the season's performance, India collectively received 94% of its Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall.

This figure places the 2023 Southwest Monsoon season firmly in the 'below normal' category, as the normal range is considered to be between 96% and 104% of the LPA. The LPA for India, based on the 1971-2020 period, stands at 870 mm.

A closer look at the regional distribution reveals a mixed bag across the nation's 36 meteorological sub-divisions.

While 18 sub-divisions experienced 'normal' rainfall, a significant nine recorded 'excess' precipitation, showcasing localized heavy downpours. Conversely, another nine sub-divisions faced 'deficient' rainfall, highlighting pockets of concern for water resources and agriculture.

The delayed withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon also paves the way for the onset of the Northeast Monsoon.

The IMD anticipated the conditions for the commencement of the Northeast Monsoon over Southeast Peninsular India to be favorable around October 27, signaling a transition in the country's rainfall regime and bringing much-needed rains to the southern states after the departure of the primary monsoon system.