Mumbai, Oct 1 (PTI) The Maharashtra government on Wednesday said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin its withdrawal from the state around October 8.

The news comes as relief for farmers and the administration as torrential rains caused serious damage to agriculture and property in Marathwada region over the last two weeks. The Met department has forecast scattered rainfall over Marathwada on Thursday, with intensity expected to increase slightly on Friday.

"The weather has remained largely stable across most parts of the state since September 29. However, scattered rainfall accompanied by thunder is expected over Vidarbha, Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra between October 2 and 7, mostly during afternoon hours. The possibility of intense thunderstorms is higher over Vidarbha," an of

See Full Page