Monsoon to start retreating late

The Northeast or Retreating monsoon is likely to start from the northwest region from October 6, according to the the Indian Meteorological Department

This is one of the most delayed retreats of the seasonal rainfall. In fact, it's nearly three weeks late.

This is how the cycle normally works. The South-west monsoon rains, which are vital for farmers, usually arrive at the Kerala coast around June 1. They then move up the country in the weeks that follow. It then starts retreating from the Rajasthan region by mid September.

But this year cyclones delayed the retreat. Most parts of the country received heavy rainfall this week, which damaged summer-sown crops ready for harvesting.

India received 9% lower rainfall than normal up to the end of August, But then a third more than normal in September narrowed deficit to 1%.