The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from northwest India, the weather office said. Late-season rains have cut the country’s seasonal rainfall deficit to 12 percent.

The monsoon had been running below normal through much of the season. Heavy late rains in September helped narrow the gap, improving the picture for reservoirs and crops.

The withdrawal marks the start of the end of the four-month rainy season. The monsoon normally retreats from the northwest first and exits the country by mid-October.

Weather experts said the south and northeast are still getting rain. Delhi and parts of the north saw showers earlier this week, according to forecasts.

A 12 percent deficit is better than feared but still below normal. Farmers and water managers will now watch the post-monsoon season and winter rains for relief. The withdrawal line is expected to move further south in the coming days, the weather office said. The late surge in rain also lifted water levels in several key reservoirs, officials said.