The southwest monsoon is withdrawing from the country, with the India Meteorological Department confirming that conditions turned favourable for retreat from parts of West Rajasthan around September 19 — about two days later than normal. Delhi saw the monsoon withdraw on September 23, the earliest retreat from the capital since 2002.

Despite the early exit, the season ended in deficit nationally, with rainfall running about 15% below normal as of late September. The shortfall was sharper in the South Peninsula. Delhi's Safdarjung observatory recorded 728.6mm for the season, around 16% above its long-period average, bucking the national trend.

The IMD expects the withdrawal to continue through the first week of October, with dry continental air moving into the northwest and rainfall activity easing across Rajasthan. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal could still bring late-season showers to eastern and southern parts even as the northwest turns drier. Farmers in the northwest are being advised to watch the IMD's extended-range outlook, as the withdrawal phase will determine sowing conditions for the Rabi season ahead.