With southwest monsoon set for withdrawal, rain deficit in Keralam widens to 28%

Amid severe power crisis, the rainfall deficit in Keralam is set to widen further with the southwest monsoon likely to begin withdrawing from the country on September 19. The State has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 28%, with Idukki and Wayanad together reporting a shortfall of around 50%.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) weather bulletin issued on Thursday, conditions are becoming favourable for the southwest monsoon to withdraw from parts of west Rajasthan around September 19, two days later than the normal date of September 17. However, the withdrawal is likely to be marked by intermittent pauses as a low-pressure area is expected to form over the Andaman Sea and adjoining areas around September 19.