NEW DELHI — India’s southwest monsoon is showing early signs of withdrawal from parts of northwest India, though widespread heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and gusty winds continue to sweep across multiple states, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Favorable conditions for the monsoon’s official retreat from parts of Rajasthan are expected to take shape around September 19.
Despite the seasonal transition, active weather systems including a low pressure area over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining regions continue to drive unsettled conditions across the subcontinent.
Regional Breakdown & Meteorological Impact
Yellow Alerts Issued IMD has put regions including Haryana, Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka and Gujarat under yellow alerts, warning of localized rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.
Delhi NCR regions face overcast skies, thunderstorms, and light-to moderate showers, maintaining maximum temperatures around 32°C while offering brief relief from oppressive humidity.
Severe Wind & Lightning Risk Wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h alongside frequent lightning strikes are predicted for Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Temperature Extremes & Agricultural Directives
The seasonal shift has brought dramatic thermal disparities across the country. On September 14, Jaisalmer recorded the nation’s highest maximum temperature at 40.1°C, while Yavatmal in Maharashtra recorded a low of 15.2°C.
Agricultural authorities have issued urgent advisories to farmers across affected belts, recommending immediate drainage management in waterlogged fields, secure storage for harvested crops, and a total temporary pause on pesticide spraying until rain conditions clear.