South-west monsoon to withdraw from parts of West Rajasthan, rainfall to continue in north-eastern states: IMD

The India Meteorological Department or IMD said that the north-west and adjoining west-central India is likely to experience reduced rainfall activity for next five days. According to IMD, the conditions are becoming favourable for withdrawal of south-west monsoon from parts of west Rajasthan from September 25.

While heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and north-east India on September 22 and 23, as per the IMD's forecast, there's also a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh today, i.e., September 22.

Earlier in the week, the IMD had predicted light to moderate rainfall in several Indian states, with some areas expecting heavy to very heavy downpours, persisting until September 21.

Earlier this week, the IMD issued a red and orange alert in parts of Gujarat. The areas on red alert include Aravalli, Khera, Panchmahal, Dahod and Mahisagar. Meanwhile, an orange alert was issued in Sabar Kantha, Mahesena, Ahmedabad and Vodadara.

A flood-like situation was witnessed in several parts of the state.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has showed that the country recorded a rainfall deficit of 11 percent for the season i.e. from June 1 to September 6. This would make 2023 the first year of below-normal monsoon rain after eight years.