Ahmedabad: Today, the Southwest Monsoon has withdrawn from some parts of Gujarat including Kutch, North Saurashtra & Northern Parts of Gujarat Region. The line of withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon passes through Gulmarg, Dharamshala, Mukteshwar, Pilibhit, Orai, Ashoknagar, Indore, Baroda and Porbandar. There has been no significant rainfall in the state since September 14.

However, the focus will shift to the weather forecasts for next month due to major events such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and Navratri. The October forecast, issued by the IMD on Monday, predicts normal rainfall.

Manorama Mohanty, head of IMD Gujarat, informed that October often witnesses the impact of western disturbances. She stated, “Due to this system, there may be occasional rainfall in the state. However, the likelihood of widespread or heavy rain is low. The October forecast indicates above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures, making it a slightly hotter month for Gujarat.”

She further noted that in comparison to normal rainfall, Gujarat has experienced 19% excess rainfall over the course of four months. “The normal rainfall range is -20% to 20%,” she added.

IMD’s analysis of the four months of monsoon nationally indicates above-normal rainfall for the Saurashtra-Kutch subdivision and normal rainfall for the rest of Gujarat. The analysis of rainfall patterns reveals that July became the wettest month for the state for the second consecutive year, while August recorded one of the lowest rainfall figures in the past decade. This marks the fourth year in the last five years to achieve 100% seasonal rainfall.

However, experts have highlighted erratic rainfall patterns and disparities between regions. North and central Gujarat districts, in contrast to the Saurashtra-Kutch region, recorded rainfall deficits until mid-September. Despite the presence of good rain-bearing systems, the monsoon ended in South Gujarat with a 7% deficit. All talukas received more than 250mm of rainfall. DeshGujarat