Southwest Monsoon Retires From Delhi Two Days Ahead of Usual Schedule The weather department on Wednesday confirmed the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Delhi, two days earlier than its normal September 25 timeline. Safdarjung recorded 728.6 mm of seasonal rainfall, marking a 16 percent increase over normal figures. The seasonal rainfall chapter for the national capital has officially drawn to a close this year. The weather department announced on Wednesday that the southwest monsoon has completely retreated from Delhi. Long-term benchmarks fix the normal departure date for the city at September 25, which means the seasonal system exited two days earlier than anticipated, putting an end to rain activity across the capital. Late Arrival Followed by Early Departure This monsoon cycle unfolded with a striking contrast between its arrival and departure timelines. Monsoon currents normally hit Delhi by June 27, but this year the rainy front made a delayed entry on July 2. Despite the initial delay of nearly five days, the system did not linger and instead made an early exit. Climatological data calculated from 1971 to 2019 designates September 25 as the standard withdrawal benchmark for the city. Last year, the monsoon pulled back from the capital on September 24. Widespread Withdrawal Across Neighboring States The retreat on Wednesday was not confined to Delhi alone. Meteorological officials reported that the southwest monsoon simultaneously withdrew from the entire National Capital Region (NCR), large swathes of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, along with select pockets of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. With dry continental air replacing humid winds, regular precipitation cycles in these territories have now ceased entirely. Safdarjung Clocks 16 Percent Above Normal Rainfall Precipitation tallies throughout the active season remained healthy across the capital. Between June 1 and September 23, the Safdarjung monitoring station measured 728.6 mm of cumulative precipitation. Compared to the normal seasonal average of 629.7 mm for the corresponding period, this performance represents a 16 percent surplus, placing Delhi firmly within the normal rainfall bracket. Historical Extremes in Delhi Monsoon Exit Dates The withdrawal timeline has historically seen notable fluctuations. Records maintained since 1961 reveal that the earliest recorded departure occurred in 1982, when monsoon winds vacated Delhi as early as September 3. Conversely, the longest stay was documented in 2013, when the seasonal system persisted well into autumn before eventually retreating on October 17. What this means for you The cessation of monsoon rains marks a transition toward drier weather and sets the stage for gradual changes in autumn temperatures across the region. • In Delhi: Dry winds will replace wet spells, leading to bright sunny afternoons across the national capital. Evening and early morning temperatures will gradually drop, bringing a subtle cool nip into the air. • For farmers: The complete halt of precipitation provides an ideal window for harvesting and drying mature Kharif crops. The reduction in excessive field moisture significantly lowers the risk of standing produce rotting. • Comfort and health: Falling humidity levels will offer respite from persistent stickiness and sweat. However, residents should take precautions against seasonal temperature fluctuations that typically trigger viral colds and throat infections. • Air quality: Without rain to wash down suspended matter, airborne dust and localized vehicular emissions will begin to accumulate in the coming weeks. Vulnerable individuals and asthmatics may need to limit rigorous outdoor exercise during early mornings. Why this happened The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon occurred due to a complete reversal in wind trajectories and a steady depletion of moisture across northwest India. This seasonal retreat aligns with established meteorological markers governing the autumn transition. • Shift in prevailing wind patterns: Dry northwesterly winds displaced the moist easterly currents originating from oceanic basins. This airmass shift effectively halted convective cloud development and cut off precipitation over the plains. • Drop in atmospheric humidity: A prolonged dry spell over preceding days caused relative humidity levels across the lower and middle troposphere to plunge. The absence of rainfall provided the requisite technical indicators for meteorologists to officially certify the retreat. • Synoptic progression: Climatological data from 1971 to 2019 establishes September 25 as the standard departure date. The dissolution of active rain-bearing low-pressure systems allowed anti-cyclonic patterns to take over two days ahead of schedule. Questions & Answers 1. When was the official withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Delhi confirmed? The weather department officially declared the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Delhi on Wednesday. 2. What is the normal benchmark date for the monsoon to retreat from Delhi? Based on climatological data from 1971 to 2019, the normal withdrawal date for the monsoon in Delhi is September 25. 3. When did the monsoon arrive in Delhi this year? The monsoon made landfall in Delhi on July 2 this year, lagging behind its usual onset schedule of June 27. 4. How much rainfall was recorded at the Safdarjung observatory this season? Safdarjung logged 728.6 mm of rain between June 1 and September 23, surpassing the seasonal average by 16 percent. 5. What are the earliest and latest recorded monsoon exit dates for Delhi since 1961? The earliest withdrawal occurred on September 3, 1982, while the most delayed exit was registered on October 17, 2013. https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/rashtriya-rajadhani-se-dakshina-pashchima-monsoon-ki-vidai-samanya-tarikha-se-do-dina-pahale-barisha-ka-daura-thama-37212 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.