EnvironmentMonsoon retreat begins while large parts of India remain rain-deficient
The southwest monsoon has started withdrawing from west Rajasthan even as nationwide seasonal rainfall remains below normal and a fresh Bay of Bengal system raises the prospect of heavy rain in eastern India.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 21 Sept 2026Updated 21 Sept 20261 min read
The southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan, close to its normal retreat window. The India Meteorological Department's withdrawal line moved through parts of the state as the season entered its final phase.
The retreat is starting against an uneven rainfall picture. The Indian Express, citing IMD data, reported that about 43% of India's geographical area was rain-deficient and countrywide rainfall through September 19 was 15% below normal.
At the same time, a low-pressure system over the North Andaman Sea was expected to strengthen while moving toward the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. That means monsoon withdrawal in the northwest can coincide with a new spell of intense rain farther east - a useful reminder that withdrawal is a regional process, not an instant end to rainfall across India.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IGS-IIIIndian monsoon, rainfall distribution and climate variabilityPrelims: HighMains: HighIntermediate
Why this matters
IMD began the 2026 southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan while rainfall deficits remained widespread.
Key facts
- Southwest monsoon withdrawal normally begins from northwest India before progressing across the country.
- Withdrawal from one region does not mean rainfall has ended everywhere in India.
- Low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal can produce heavy rain even as the monsoon retreats elsewhere.
Key terms
- monsoon withdrawal
- rainfall deficit
- IMD
- low-pressure area
- Bay of Bengal
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Spatial unevenness of monsoon rainfall
- Agricultural and water-security implications
- Extreme rainfall during the withdrawal phase
India’s context
India's dependence on the southwest monsoon means both seasonal deficits and late-season heavy-rain events matter for crops, reservoirs, disaster management and food prices.
Keep in mind
Do not treat the monsoon's withdrawal from west Rajasthan as the end of the monsoon over all of India.
Practice question
Why can India experience heavy rainfall in some regions even after the southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from the northwest?
Revision summary
- Withdrawal has begun from parts of west Rajasthan.
- Rainfall remained below normal nationally through September 19.
- A Bay of Bengal system can still drive heavy rain in eastern India.
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