Monsoon farewell next: Rain withdrawal to begin within days, temperature to rise

The IMD said conditions are turning favourable for monsoon withdrawal from parts of West Rajasthan around September 19. The shift marks the start of a staggered transition, with dry northwesterlies in Delhi even as weather activity persists elsewhere.

In Short

• Delhi will see 34-36°C days with cooler-than-normal minimum temperatures ahead
• Northwesterly winds in Delhi may strengthen by afternoon before easing later
• Kerala and Mahe are likely to remain hot and humid briefly

India’s southwest monsoon is entering its final phase, with conditions becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the monsoon from some parts of West Rajasthan around September 19, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The withdrawal marks the beginning of the seasonal transition from the southwest monsoon to the drier post-monsoon pattern.

However, rainfall will not end immediately across the country, with several weather systems continuing to influence different regions over the coming days.

Delhi to see dry winds, near-normal maximum temperatures

Delhi is likely to experience maximum temperatures between 34°C and 36°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 22°C and 24°C.

The minimum temperature is likely to remain below normal by 1.6°C to 3°C at most places, while maximum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, with departures ranging from -1.5°C to 1.5°C at most locations.

The national capital is also likely to see predominantly northwesterly surface winds. Wind speeds could reach up to 10 kmph during the morning, increase to around 15 kmph during the afternoon and then decrease to around 10 kmph during the evening and night.

The northwesterly flow is consistent with the changing weather pattern over northwest India as the monsoon begins to retreat.

KERALA TO REMAIN HOT AND HUMID

While northwest India prepares for the monsoon’s departure, Kerala and Mahe are likely to experience hot and humid conditions on September 17 and 18.

The contrasting weather highlights the uneven nature of the seasonal transition, with the monsoon withdrawing from some parts of the northwest while moisture and rainfall-producing systems remain active farther south and over the surrounding seas.

Meanwhile, the Arabian Sea will continue to see weather activity. According to the IMD, conditions are expected to remain active along and off the Somalia coast and over some parts of the southwest Arabian Sea adjoining the west-central Arabian Sea until September 19.

Over the Bay of Bengal, weather activity is expected over some parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea until September 22.

Parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the south Sri Lanka coast are also likely to remain active on September 18 and again during September 19-22.

The developing withdrawal therefore does not signal an immediate end to monsoon-related weather.

Instead, India is entering a transition period in which the monsoon begins retreating from the northwest while atmospheric activity continues over other parts of the country and surrounding seas.

- Ends