Archive · 15 Sep 2026
India Forecast Widespread Rainfall as Southwest Monsoon Retreats
India is expected to receive rain in many places during the coming week.
The forecast covers 16 to 21 September.
Areas in the north, center, east and west may get repeated showers.
Some places may also experience thunderstorms and lightning.
These storms could make travel and outdoor activities less safe.
Rain in central and eastern areas may help farmland.
However, the total monsoon rainfall so far is below the usual amount.
The rainy season may start leaving parts of west Rajasthan around 19 September.
This marks the beginning of the monsoon’s retreat.
Widespread rainfall is forecast across northwestern, central, eastern and western India from 16-21 September.
Thunderstorms and lightning are expected in several regions, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
Central and eastern areas, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim, are expected to receive significant rain.
The India Meteorological Department said cumulative monsoon rainfall was 673.6 mm from 1 June to 14 September, 15% below normal.
The southwest monsoon may begin withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan around 19 September.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department issued the forecast for India.
- What
- Widespread to fairly widespread rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning in several areas, is expected.
- When
- Rainfall is forecast mainly from 16-21 September; monsoon withdrawal may begin around 19 September.
- Where
- Several regions, including northwestern, central, eastern and western India, are expected to be affected.
- Why
- The forecast reflects continuing southwest monsoon activity as the four-month rainy season enters its final phase.
- Forecast period
- 16-21 September
- Expected conditions
- Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning in many regions
- Cumulative monsoon rainfall
- 673.6 mm from 1 June to 14 September
- Rainfall departure
- 15% below the normal 790.1 mm
- Likely withdrawal area
- Parts of west Rajasthan
- Possible withdrawal date
- Around 19 September
- Potential impacts
- Rain may provide relief to agricultural areas, while storms could affect people, transport and outdoor activities