Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India’s Monsoon Withdrawal Begins Amid Worst Rain Deficit Since 2009
India did not receive as much monsoon rain as usual this year.
Rainfall is 15 percent below normal across the country.
This is the weakest monsoon in 17 years, according to the article.
The southern part of India has been affected especially badly.
The monsoon has now started leaving Rajasthan, although it happened later than usual.
A storm system may bring rain to some coastal states next week.
However, that rain probably will not fix the overall shortage.
El Niño is a recurring climate pattern involving unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters that can change weather around the world.
The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from extreme west Rajasthan, later than its normal September 17 date.
India’s rainfall deficit stands at 15 percent, the country’s worst monsoon shortfall since 2009.
The southern peninsula has the largest regional shortfall at 28 percent, led by Andhra Pradesh at 43 percent.
A deep depression expected in the Bay of Bengal may bring rain to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh but is unlikely to erase the national deficit.
The weak monsoon has disrupted Kharif sowing and reduced acreage for food, oil and fibre crops.
- Who
- India, its farmers, and the India Meteorological Department.
- What
- The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing while nationwide rainfall remains 15 percent below normal.
- When
- Withdrawal began after the usual September 17 date; further movement is expected over the next three to four days.
- Where
- Withdrawal began in extreme west Rajasthan, with possible expansion into Punjab and Gujarat; rainfall shortages affect much of India.
- Why
- A strong El Niño was identified as a major factor behind the weak monsoon, while changing weather patterns have also delayed withdrawal in recent years.
- National rainfall deficit
- 15 percent for the monsoon season
- Worst regional deficit
- Southern peninsula, at 28 percent
- Most affected state
- Andhra Pradesh, with a 43 percent shortfall
- Historical comparison
- The weakest monsoon since 2009, when the deficit was 18 percent
- Monsoon withdrawal
- Began in extreme west Rajasthan after the normal September 17 date
- Potential rainfall
- A deep depression may bring rain to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh next week
- El Niño
- A recurring climate pattern involving unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters that can alter global weather; the article identifies a strong El Niño as a factor in the rainfall deficit