Although the monsoon season is gradually coming to an end, it is preparing to drench many regions again before departing. Meteorological model forecasts indicate that the weakened monsoon may regain momentum during the second period of September. An active period of rainfall is expected across large parts of central, southern, eastern, and western India from September 12 to 21. Thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and strong winds may be observed in some areas.
This rainy period has the potential to temporarily strengthen the weakened monsoon, but it is not expected to significantly alter the overall monsoon picture for the entire year 2026. The rains that fall in the final weeks of the four-month southwest monsoon (from June to September) are significant because sufficient soil moisture is critical for sowing during this time.
According to recent INSAT-3DS satellite imagery, cloud activity in large areas of northwestern India is decreasing, while cloud clusters in eastern and southern regions still persist. In the current monsoon season, some parts of the country have recorded precipitation 14% below normal. This season has seen a prolonged dry spell, as well as significant variations in rainfall distribution between different regions. The Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecasts less rainfall than normal for the entire monsoon season. Strong El Niño is considered one of the main reasons for the weakening of monsoon activity.
According to meteorological models, after a potential period of rain in mid-September, the monsoon withdrawal process may accelerate. The retreat may begin particularly quickly in northwestern and central India. Typically, the southwest monsoon begins to withdraw from northwestern India and then gradually moves out of the central, western, southern, and eastern parts of the country. Thus, the rains in mid-September could be one of the last major monsoon events of this season.
The timing of the rains in September is especially important for farmers. These precipitation can alleviate the situation by maintaining soil moisture and promoting crop growth. However, if the rains remain weak before the monsoon departs, the risk of negative impact on production in rain-dependent areas increases.
Against the backdrop of the current monsoon activity, the Meteorological Department issued a warning for heavy rains and storms for many states on September 9, 2026. From September 9 to 11, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra are expected to experience the possibility of heavy rains and storms. Strong winds of up to 70-75 kilometers per hour may blow in several areas. There is also a threat of lightning strikes and hail in some places.
According to the Meteorological Department, there is a risk of landslides in the hilly states due to heavy rains. Rapid water level rise in rivers is expected in Eastern India due to the rains. Heavy or very heavy rainfall is possible in parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Tourists planning trips to hilly areas are advised to check the latest weather conditions before traveling. Residents of southern states are advised to exercise extra caution over the next 24 hours. The eastern states may feel the strongest influence of strong winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, there are signs of a low-pressure area forming in the southwestern part of Uttar Pradesh and adjacent areas. Upper cyclonic circulation is also present in northern Bihar and its surroundings.
Delhi may experience a period of rain and storms from September 9 to 11. During this period, wind speed may reach 30-40 kilometers per hour. Forecasts indicate that the maximum temperature in Delhi on September 9 will be around 36 degrees, and the minimum will be 26 degrees Celsius.
A warning for heavy rains and storms has been issued in several districts of Uttar Pradesh on September 9. Weather may deteriorate in Meerut, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Aligarh, Agra, Mathura, Kanpur, Bahraich, Balrampur, Ambedkar Nagar, Varanasi, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Shahjahanpur, Rampur, Unnao, Prayagraj, Deoria, and Gorakhpur. Stormy winds of 70-80 kilometers per hour are expected in some areas. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature may reach 33 degrees, and the minimum 26 degrees Celsius.
A warning for heavy rains and storms has also been issued in Bihar for Gaya, Patna, West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Buxar, Saran, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar, Arria, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. Strong winds of 60-70 kilometers per hour are expected here. It is forecasted that the maximum temperature in Patna will reach 32 degrees, and the minimum 27 degrees Celsius.
In Jharkhand on September 9 and 10...