New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has officially withdrawn from Delhi on September 23, marking one of the most significant weather transitions of the season. According to the India Meteorological Department, the withdrawal is the earliest from the national capital since 2002, when the monsoon had retreated on September 20. The development signals the beginning of a gradual shift towards drier weather across Delhi and large parts of northwestern India. The latest Delhi monsoon withdrawal comes as the seasonal rainfall system continues its retreat from northern India. The monsoon has also moved away from most parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, besides parts of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The IMD's withdrawal line is now passing through several locations across the region, indicating that the retreat is progressing in a connected pattern rather than being limited to Delhi alone.

Delhi Records An Early Monsoon Exit

The September 23 withdrawal stands out when compared with the historical record. The IMD's historical data shows that the monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 20 in 2002. In several other years, however, the withdrawal happened much later. The difference between years can be substantial. For example, the monsoon withdrawal from Delhi was recorded as late as October 17 in 2013. It occurred on October 8 in 2016 and October 2 in 2024. These variations show how the timing of the seasonal transition can change considerably depending on prevailing atmospheric conditions. The normal withdrawal date is also later than this year's exit. Recent IMD-linked reporting places the normal withdrawal around September 25, making this year's retreat earlier than the usual schedule.

Why Does IMD Declare Monsoon Withdrawal?

The phrase monsoon withdrawal refers to the gradual retreat of the southwest monsoon from areas that had been receiving its seasonal rainfall. The IMD does not declare withdrawal simply because a few days of rain have stopped. Several atmospheric indicators are considered before the department confirms the retreat. According to the IMD, the process involves a sustained cessation of rainfall activity, a reduction in moisture content and the establishment of an anticyclone in the lower atmosphere. The department also considers the continuity of the withdrawal pattern and the persistence of dry weather before extending the withdrawal line further. This means that even after the official announcement, isolated rainfall can still occur. 

Monsoon Withdrawal Line Moves Across North India

The IMD said the withdrawal line has advanced through several important locations. It currently passes through Gurdaspur, Chandigarh, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh, Dholpur, Udaipur, Deesa and Naliya, among other places. The movement of this line provides an indication of how far the southwest monsoon has retreated. With large portions of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan already outside the monsoon zone, northwestern India is entering a different phase of the seasonal weather cycle. For Delhi and surrounding areas, this transition generally means fewer widespread monsoon showers, lower atmospheric moisture over time and a gradual increase in the influence of dry weather conditions.

What Delhi Weather May Look Like Next

The latest Delhi Weather outlook from the IMD shows mainly clear conditions for September 23 and 24, with maximum temperatures around 35°C. The forecast indicates partly cloudy conditions on September 25 and generally cloudy skies later in the period, with the possibility of thunderstorms and rain towards September 27 and 28. This highlights an important point: monsoon withdrawal does not automatically eliminate rainfall from the forecast. Local atmospheric disturbances can continue to generate showers even during the post-monsoon transition. The broader trend, however, is expected to move towards drier conditions. As the monsoon circulation retreats farther south and east, widespread seasonal rainfall generally becomes less frequent over Delhi and neighbouring parts of northwestern India.

Delhi's Air Quality Starts Showing a Change

The timing of the monsoon withdrawal is particularly important for Delhi because the city's air quality often becomes a growing concern as rainfall decreases and the cooler season approaches. Recent readings show a noticeable rise in Delhi's pollution levels. The 24-hour average AQI increased from 118 on September 19 to 160 on September 20, 169 on September 21 and 178 on September 22. On Wednesday morning, the AQI was recorded at 151, which remained in the moderate category. The changing Delhi AQI comes as the city moves away from the wetter monsoon period. Rain can temporarily help remove some pollutants from the atmosphere, while dry conditions and weaker winds can allow pollutants and dust to remain suspended for longer.

Why the Post-Monsoon Period Matters for Delhi

The period after the monsoon is an important transition phase for Delhi. Temperatures can remain relatively high for some time, while humidity gradually changes and rainfall becomes less frequent. Later in the year, cooler temperatures and weaker atmospheric dispersion can create conditions in which pollutants remain trapped closer to the ground. This is one reason why air pollution typically becomes a larger public concern as Delhi moves towards October, November and December. The latest air-quality trend has already drawn attention because pollution levels have started rising even before the peak winter pollution period. Recent reporting noted that the city was moving towards the seasonal deterioration in pollutant dispersion conditions as monsoon rainfall decreased.

Delhi's Monsoon Withdrawal Has Varied Widely

Historical records demonstrate just how different the monsoon season can be from one year to another. In 2002, the monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 20. In 2013, the retreat was delayed until October 17. In 2016, it remained over the capital until October 8, while the withdrawal took place on October 2 in 2024. The latest development therefore stands out because the September 23 withdrawal is considerably earlier than many recent years. The IMD's historical record also shows that withdrawal dates can vary because the monsoon depends on a combination of large-scale atmospheric circulation, moisture availability, rainfall activity and pressure patterns.

What Happens After the Monsoon Leaves?

Once the southwest monsoon retreats, the weather pattern gradually changes across the affected areas. Rainfall usually becomes less frequent and the atmosphere begins moving towards a drier seasonal phase. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms can still occur when local weather systems develop. The transition also marks the beginning of the gradual shift towards the cooler months. Delhi's temperatures do not fall sharply immediately after the monsoon withdrawal, and warm conditions can continue for days or even weeks. According to the latest IMD forecast, Delhi is expected to remain largely free of significant weather warnings through the coming days, although the forecast includes the possibility of thunderstorms and rain later in the period.

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Delhi and Northwestern India Enter Post-Monsoon Phase

Delhi: The national capital has officially entered the post-monsoon transition after the southwest monsoon withdrew on September 23.

Punjab and Haryana: The monsoon has also retreated from most parts of these states, including the wider Chandigarh region.

Rajasthan: Large parts of Rajasthan have also seen the monsoon move away as the withdrawal line advances westward and southward.

Uttar Pradesh: Parts of Uttar Pradesh, including areas around Muzaffarnagar and Aligarh, are now outside the active monsoon zone.

Gujarat: The withdrawal has also reached parts of Gujarat, with the IMD continuing to track the movement of the withdrawal line.

When did the monsoon withdraw from Delhi in 2026?

The southwest monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 23, 2026, according to the IMD.

Is September 23 the earliest monsoon withdrawal from Delhi?

It is the earliest withdrawal from Delhi since 2002. The monsoon withdrew on September 20 in 2002.

Does monsoon withdrawal mean Delhi will receive no more rain?

No. Isolated rain or thunderstorms can still occur because local weather systems may remain active after the official monsoon withdrawal.

Why does the IMD declare monsoon withdrawal?

The IMD considers factors including sustained reduction in rainfall, lower moisture levels, establishment of an anticyclone and a continued dry-weather pattern before declaring withdrawal.

What happens to Delhi's weather after the monsoon?

The weather generally becomes progressively drier, although warm temperatures and occasional local showers can continue during the transition period.