Monsoon May Start Retreating From Northwest India By Next Week, 8% Surplus Rains So Far

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 07:00 IST

The IMD said conditions are likely to become favourable for withdrawal by September 17, aligning with the updated departure dates for the southwest monsoon

The southwest monsoon usually lasts for four months from June to September and completely retreats by October 15. (Image: PTI)

After recording nearly 8 percent excess rainfall across India this time, the southwest monsoon may gradually begin its retreat from the northwestern parts by September 17.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions are likely to become favourable for withdrawal by mid next week, aligning with the updated departure dates for the southwest monsoon. Typically, monsoon withdrawal starts from Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan by September 17.

“Over the recent years, we have noticed that the southwest monsoon is withdrawing later than usual. It is delayed by almost 7-15 days from various parts,” said IMD chief Mrityunjay Mohapatra. “Therefore, we revised the normal withdrawal dates from September 1 to now September 17 from western Rajasthan based on the 1971-2019 data. We will have to see how weather conditions pan out this time, since the rainfall activity has been good.” 

The southwest monsoon usually lasts for four months from June to September and completely retreats by October 15. Its exit sometimes coincides with the arrival of the northeast monsoon, which mainly brings rainfall over the southern peninsula from October to December.

As of Thursday, the overall rainfall during the monsoon is 8 percent above normal. Region-wise, northwest India experienced an excess of 35 percent above-normal rains, followed by 11 percent in central India, 6 percent in the southern peninsula, while a significant deficit of 20 percent persists in the northeastern states.

The weather department has forecast increased rainfall activity over the northeast and adjoining east India in the coming week, with the possibility of isolated heavy rains in Nagaland and Manipur on September 13 and 14, and Assam and Meghalaya from September 13 to 15. Heavy rainfall in the coming week was also predicted for the southern states.

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Srishti Choudhary

Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo…Read More

Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo… Read More

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