NE monsoon rain in south likely to be normal: IMD

The Northeast monsoon rainfall in southern parts of the country between October and December is likely to be "normal", the Met department forecast today.
The rains in Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Kerala and south interior Karnataka will be between 89-111 per cent of long period average (LPA).
However, rainfall over Tamil Nadu is most likely to be above normal over 112 per cent of LPA, a Met statement said.
Rainfall in Tamil Nadu during this period is considered crucial. The state in particular receives about 48 per cent of its annual rainfall during this season while the other southern peninsula states receive about 30 per cent of their annual rainfall during the NE monsoon season.

The forecast comes at a time when the Southeast monsoon is still bringing good amount of rainfall across the country, thanks to a series of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal.
The withdrawal has been significantly slow as the withdrawal line continues to remain static pass over Kalpa, Hissar, Jodhpur and Naliya for the last fortnight.

The period of transition of weather is very crucial. Until September 16, the withdrawal process of monsoon was normal.
"However, as the monsoon was withdrawing, the low pressure area on the eastern coast moved inland halting the withdrawal of monsoon. This reversed the weather pattern. This is the reason why central India is still getting heavy rainfall," said V K Rajeev, Director of IMD Mumbai.

A delayed withdrawal of South West monsoon threatens to play a spoilsport as the festive season is all set to begin.