New Delhi: Southwest monsoon bid farewell to the country on Monday. This is the seventh most delayed departure of monsoon since 1975.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement, “The Southwest Monsoon left the country today (October 25, 2021) with a significant reduction in rainfall activity over most parts of the country. Simultaneously, due to the formation of north-easterly winds in the lower troposphere levels, Northeast Monsoon rains have started over South Peninsular India today.
“Departure of Southwest Monsoon 2021 from the country has been the most delayed for the seventh time during 1975-2021 (on or after October 25),” it said. According to IMD data, between 2010 and 2021, the southwest monsoon has left the country five times- 2017, 2010, 2016, 2020, and 2021, on or after October 25.
The Southwest Monsoon had started its departure from West Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat on October 6, which was the second most delayed departure since 1975. The Southwest Monsoon generally starts withdrawing from Northwest India on 17th September.
According to the IMD data, the monsoon started its departure on September 28, 2019, on October 9, 2018, on September 29, 2017, on September 27, and 2016 on September 15. The country received “normal” rainfall during the four-month southwest monsoon from June to September. This is the third consecutive year that the country has recorded normal or above-normal rainfall. Rainfall was above normal in 2019 and 2020 as well.
The entire country received 110 percent rainfall in June, 93 and 76 percent in July and August respectively. These are the months in which the most rainfall occurs. However, the shortfall in July and August was compensated in September, which recorded 135 percent of the Long Term Average Period (LPA).
The Southwest Monsoon had reached Kerala with a delay of two days on June 3. By June 15, it had rapidly reached the central, western, eastern, northeastern, and southern parts of India. At that time it had spread to many parts of North India, even reaching its final stopping points – Barmer and Jaisalmer. However, then the monsoon winds could not reach Delhi, parts of Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
It then saw a halt and then, contrary to the IMD’s forecasts, it reached Delhi, parts of Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh on July 13, five days after its normal onset date.
According to the IMD, the Northeast Monsoon bringing rains to the southern states from October to December is likely to be normal.
