The southwest monsoon began its withdrawal from India on September 19, starting from West Rajasthan, about two days later than normal.

As of around September 20, the country faced a rainfall deficit of 15 per cent for the season. The southern peninsula was the worst hit, with a deficit of 28 per cent. Meteorologists have blamed a strong El Nino for suppressing rainfall across large parts of the country.

Low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal have prolonged rain over southern and eastern states, even as the monsoon retreats from the northwest. This split pattern has created flood risks in the east and south while the northwest dries out.

A below-normal monsoon has implications for the kharif harvest, reservoir levels and rural demand. The government is watching food prices closely, since weak rain has already pushed up prices of pulses and vegetables in several markets The IMD will issue its final seasonal assessment once withdrawal completes across the country.