The India Meteorological Department announced the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal from Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra on October 3. Mid-day reported confirmation for Mumbai, while Loksatta described withdrawal from parts of Konkan, central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha.
Loksatta reported the withdrawal line passing through Brahmapuri, Parbhani, Baramati and Harnai. Conditions were favourable for the retreat to extend across the remaining parts of the state over the following two to three days; that remained a forecast.
The Indian Express reported that 21 districts recorded deficient seasonal rainfall. Maharashtra’s overall shortfall was 19%, but IMD scientist Sushma Nair explained that this still falls within the department’s normal category, whose lower boundary is a 19% deficit.
The state-wide classification masks differences between districts. The fresh development is the monsoon’s geographical retreat on Saturday. It is distinct from the June–September rainfall accounting period, which ended on September 30.