Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India's Southwest Monsoon Begins Withdrawal After Deficient Rainfall
India’s rainy season has started to retreat from the west.
The India Meteorological Department said the withdrawal began in parts of west Rajasthan.
This happened two days later than usual.
More areas of Rajasthan, Punjab, Saurashtra and Kutch may see the monsoon leave soon.
Overall, India received less rain than normal this season.
Rainfall was especially low in east and northeast India and southern peninsular India.
The monsoon is expected to disappear from the country by October 15.
Farmers increased planting after rains improved in July, but total kharif crop acreage is still slightly below last year’s level.
The IMD announced the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan on Saturday.
Further withdrawal from Rajasthan, Punjab, Saurashtra and Kutch is expected over the next three to four days.
The monsoon season recorded rainfall 14.9% below the long-period average through September 19.
East and northeast India and south peninsular India experienced the largest regional rainfall deficits.
The monsoon is expected to fully withdraw by October 15, while kharif sowing remains slightly below last year’s level.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department announced the monsoon withdrawal.
- What
- The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan after a deficient season.
- When
- The announcement was made on Saturday; full withdrawal is expected by October 15.
- Where
- Withdrawal began in west Rajasthan, with further movement expected across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Saurashtra and Kutch.
- Why
- The seasonal rainy period is ending, following below-normal rainfall and the usual transition toward the winter or northeast monsoon.
- Rainfall through September 19
- 14.9% below the long-period average, classified as deficient.
- Withdrawal timing
- Began two days later than the normal date.
- Expected full withdrawal
- By October 15.
- Seasonal arrival
- The monsoon reached Kerala on June 4 and covered the country by July 9.
- Regional rainfall
- Central India was normal; northwest India was 9.2% below normal, east and northeast India 25.7% below, and south peninsular India 28.5% below.
- Kharif acreage
- About 1.45% lower than last year and 0.72% below the five-year average.
- El Niño conditions
- The IMD indicated continued strengthening through the remaining southwest monsoon period.