The withdrawal of the 2026 southwest monsoon continues across the country. By September 23, the monsoon had left most areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, as well as completely from Delhi, but meteorologists warn that the monsoon may return to some other parts of the country in the coming days.
According to meteorological department data, the monsoon retreat began on September 19, two days later than the usual date. The total amount of monsoon rainfall in the country was below normal. Nevertheless, meteorologists predict that the minimum temperature in October will be above normal, although a decrease in temperature is expected in some northeastern regions.
This year, Eastern and Northeastern India received very little rainfall, while 312 districts recorded normal amounts of rain. Meteorologists note the persistence of a strong El Niño pattern in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which is likely to intensify by the end of the year.
From June to September, the country registered 759.4 millimeters of rain, which is the 13th lowest figure since 1901 and the fourth lowest since 2001. Eastern and Northeastern India recorded 1017.1 millimeters of rain, marking the lowest figure since 1901.
According to IMD data, the assessment of monsoon rainfall was conducted in 741 districts: in 282 districts, the rain was less than normal; in 34 districts, it was significantly less; in 312 districts, it was normal; in 90 districts, it was more than normal; and in 16 districts, it was significantly more.
Strong rains were also observed in many states in September, including Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. However, in terms of temperature, September was quite hot. The average temperature across India in September was 27.72 degrees Celsius, which is 0.60 degrees above normal. The average maximum temperature reached 32.05 degrees Celsius, making it the sixth highest figure since 1901. In South Peninsular India, the maximum, minimum, and average temperatures in September were the highest since 1901.
Regarding October, meteorologists predict that rainfall in most regions of the country will be below normal. From October to December, normal rainfall is expected in South Peninsular India, while in most of the country, precipitation will be below normal. During this same period, the strong El Niño situation is likely to persist. It is also predicted that the maximum and minimum temperatures in most regions of the country in October will be above normal.