New Delhi, Sept. 19 -- The southwest monsoon is nearing its withdrawal, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expecting it to begin retreating from parts ofwest Rajasthan on September 19. India has recorded a 12.8% rainfall deficit so far this season, with rainfall between June 1 and September 18 ranking as the 11th lowest since 1901. Here are two charts explaining the status of rainfall as the season comes to an end.

One can understand what monsoon withdrawal is only when one understands what the monsoon is. In simple terms, it is a season or part of the year that brings rain. However, even casual observers will see that this season does not have a fixed set of dates. This is because rainfall occurs only under certain condition...