Monsoon to withdraw by Oct 10

Bhopal, Sep 29 (UNI) After delayed onset by 16 days, the southwest monsoon is expected to withdraw from Madhya Pradesh by October 10.

''The current phase of monsoon showers continued courtesy a low-pressure area near Gopalpur on the Orissa coast,'' meteorological department's regional director D P Dubey told UNI.

Heavy rains accompanied with lightning were forecast in Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Bhopal, Hoshangabad and Indore divisions in the next 24 hours.

Chhattisgarh's Raipur, Bilaspur and Bastar divisions could also witness rainfall during next 24 hours.

Despite delayed onset, Madhya Pradesh received more than its share of rainfall with more than average rainfall being recorded in 34 districts.

However, about a dozen districts received less than the average with monsoon being not so generous this time.

According to the weather department, Hoshangabad turned out to be the wettest place of the season with 1,770 mm rainfall, while Morena received rainfall at 360 mm. The state capital has received 1,688.4 mm rainfall, 67 per cent more than average.

UNI SHD-PS AKJ KP1818