Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Advances Further Across Northwest India
India’s rainy season has started moving away from the northwest.
The weather office said the monsoon withdrew farther from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab on 21 September.
It may soon retreat from more areas, including parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The monsoon usually begins leaving western Rajasthan in September.
Its movement can be faster or slower depending on rain and air conditions.
Even though it is retreating in the northwest, many other parts of India may still get widespread rain.
Rainfall has been below the usual amount so far this season.
The monsoon is important because it supplies about 70% of India’s yearly rain and helps farms, reservoirs and rural communities.
The India Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon withdrew further from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab on 21 September.
The withdrawal is expected to continue across parts of northwest India over the next two to three days.
Monsoon withdrawal typically begins in western Rajasthan before moving toward northwest, central, southern and eastern India.
Widespread rainfall remains forecast across central, eastern, southern and northeastern regions through the coming week.
Rainfall totaled 703.7 mm from 1 June to 21 September, 15% below the normal 827.2 mm.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department reported the monsoon’s withdrawal and rainfall forecasts.
- What
- The southwest monsoon has withdrawn farther from northwest India while wet weather is expected in many other regions.
- When
- Withdrawal was reported on 21 September, following its initial onset on 20 September; forecasts cover the following week.
- Where
- The withdrawal has advanced across parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, with further retreat expected across northwest India.
- Why
- The monsoon is beginning its normal seasonal retreat, while its rainfall remains important for agriculture, reservoirs and rural economic activity.
- Latest withdrawal date
- 21 September
- Areas of further withdrawal
- Parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab
- Expected next areas
- Remaining Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Delhi, more Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and west Uttar Pradesh
- Seasonal rainfall total
- 703.7 mm from 1 June to 21 September
- Rainfall departure
- 15% below the normal 827.2 mm
- Forecast period
- Rainfall expected across several regions during the week after 21 September
- Monsoon contribution
- About 70% of India’s annual rainfall
