📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bhullargraphic
Weather
Monsoon Begins Retreating Across Northwest India
✍️ Livemint
🗓 21 Sep 2026, 08:37 PM
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The Indian monsoon has started to pull back from the north‑west region, signalling the onset of the seasonal retreat. Meteorological agencies note a gradual decline in rainfall across states such as Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
The monsoon, which has been a dominant weather system across India for the past three months, is now showing signs of withdrawal in the north‑west belt. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the rain‑bearing trough is moving eastward, leading to a noticeable drop in precipitation over the region.
States that traditionally receive the bulk of their monsoon rain during this phase, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, are experiencing clearer skies and reduced humidity. Farmers in these areas are being advised to adjust irrigation schedules as the natural water supply eases.
The retreat marks a transition toward the post‑monsoon period, during which temperatures are expected to rise and the risk of heat‑related stress may increase. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to issue timely advisories for agriculture and water management.
While the withdrawal is a normal part of the monsoon cycle, experts caution that any abrupt changes could affect crop yields, especially for water‑intensive crops such as rice and sugarcane. The department will release weekly updates on rainfall patterns and forecasted weather conditions for the coming weeks.
States that traditionally receive the bulk of their monsoon rain during this phase, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, are experiencing clearer skies and reduced humidity. Farmers in these areas are being advised to adjust irrigation schedules as the natural water supply eases.
The retreat marks a transition toward the post‑monsoon period, during which temperatures are expected to rise and the risk of heat‑related stress may increase. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to issue timely advisories for agriculture and water management.
While the withdrawal is a normal part of the monsoon cycle, experts caution that any abrupt changes could affect crop yields, especially for water‑intensive crops such as rice and sugarcane. The department will release weekly updates on rainfall patterns and forecasted weather conditions for the coming weeks.