Monsoon to remain active across India through 15 September

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that monsoon activity will continue to be widespread across various regions of India through September 15. Rainfall is expected to intensify in northwest, central, and western India during the week. Overnorthwest India, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand may experience isolated to scattered rainfall.

Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and eastern Uttar Pradesh are also likely to receive scattered showers between September 10-15. Central India is forecast to see a gradual increase in rainfall, with fairly widespread to widespread rain expected over west and east Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh during specific periods.

In eastern India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim are likely to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall throughout the same timeframe. Rainfall is anticipated to persist in west India, with Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada also expecting widespread rain during specific intervals.

South peninsular India, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, and Telangana, will likely witness scattered rainfall through September 15. Lakshadweep is forecast to receive widespread rainfall between September 10-11. Despite the broad-based rainfall activity, India received 645.5 mm of rainfall, which is 14% below the normal of 754.5 mm between June 1 and September 8.

The monsoon accounts for more than 70% of India's annual rainfall, and about 45% of the country's net sown area remains rain-fed. A good monsoon supports rural demand, while weak rainfall may weigh on consumption. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in northeast and eastern India in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Wednesday, with Tripura experiencing the highest showers according to IMD.