Archive · 19 Sep 2026
India’s Monsoon Retreat Begins Despite Widespread Rain Deficit
India’s rainy season has started to move away from some northern and western areas.
This movement is called the monsoon retreat.
The India Meteorological Department said the retreat began in parts of west Rajasthan.
The retreat is happening close to its usual time.
Normally, the monsoon starts leaving around September 17.
However, about 43% of India’s land area has received less rain than expected.
The monsoon line has passed through several areas of Rajasthan.
More parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Kutch-Saurashtra may lose the monsoon in the next three to four days.
The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from northwestern India.
The India Meteorological Department said it has withdrawn from parts of west Rajasthan.
Nearly 43% of India’s geographical area remains rain deficit.
The withdrawal is close to the normal date of September 17, with a four-day deviation.
The monsoon is expected to retreat from more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Kutch-Saurashtra within three to four days.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department and the southwest monsoon are central to the report.
- What
- The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of northwestern India, while 43% of the country remains rain deficit.
- When
- The withdrawal was reported on Saturday and is close to the normal September 17 date; further retreat is expected within three to four days.
- Where
- The monsoon has withdrawn from parts of west Rajasthan and is expected to retreat from Rajasthan, Punjab and Kutch-Saurashtra.
- Why
- The seasonal southwest monsoon is beginning its normal retreat, according to the India Meteorological Department.
- Rain-deficit area
- Nearly 43% of India’s geographical area remains rain deficit.
- Withdrawal began
- Parts of west Rajasthan
- Normal withdrawal date
- September 17
- Timing deviation
- Four days from the climatological normal
- Reported withdrawal locations
- Ramgarh, Mohangarh, Phalodi and Khajuwala in Rajasthan
- Expected next areas
- More parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Kutch-Saurashtra
- Expected timeframe
- Within the next three to four days