Monsoon Retreat Begins But IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert Across 21 States

The monsoon withdrawal process has started in India, but the weather threat continues as the IMD predicts heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across 21 states. A developing Bay of Bengal system may trigger another spell of rainfall, while uneven monsoon performance raises concerns for farmers.

Post Published By: Rishira Jain
Updated : 20 September 2026, 3:55 PM IST
google-preferred

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has officially started its withdrawal journey, but India’s weather story is far from over. The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across 21 states as changing atmospheric conditions continue to influence weather patterns.

The latest forecast has created a mixed weather situation across the country. While the monsoon retreat marks the beginning of the transition towards the post-monsoon season, several regions are still witnessing active rainfall due to developing weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and other parts of the country.

The IMD has warned of rain and thunderstorms in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Sikkim, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In several areas, wind speeds may touch 70 to 72 kilometres per hour, increasing the possibility of local disruptions, waterlogging, falling trees and damage to vulnerable structures. Eastern India remains under watch due to the possibility of lightning and thunderstorm activity.

## Monsoon Withdrawal Begins Amid Uneven Rainfall Pattern

The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon has begun from western Rajasthan, marking the start of the annual retreat process. However, the departure of the monsoon does not mean an immediate end to rainfall activity.

Weather experts explain that systems developing over the Bay of Bengal and changing wind patterns can continue to bring rain to different parts of India even during the withdrawal phase.

This year, rainfall distribution has remained uneven across several regions. While some areas received excess rainfall, others witnessed a deficit, creating challenges for agriculture-dependent communities.

The rainfall shortage has become a major concern for farmers as crop growth, harvesting schedules and water availability remain closely linked to monsoon performance.

## Maharashtra Weather Update: Rain Activity Continues Despite Monsoon Retreat

Maharashtra continues to remain under weather surveillance as several districts may receive rainfall due to changing atmospheric conditions.

The state has experienced uneven monsoon rainfall this season, affecting farming regions that depend heavily on seasonal showers. Farmers are closely monitoring weather updates before planning agricultural activities.

A developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to influence rainfall patterns across central and western India, including parts of Maharashtra.

## Delhi NCR And Uttar Pradesh Face Rain And Thunderstorm Alert

Delhi-NCR may witness light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The IMD has predicted wind speeds between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour in the national capital region.

Delhi is expected to record temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius during the day and nearly 25 degrees Celsius at night.

In Uttar Pradesh, several districts including Noida, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh, Hapur, Sambhal, Bulandshahr, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Kanpur, Bijnor, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Jhansi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur and Deoria are likely to experience rain and thunderstorms.

Lucknow may see a maximum temperature of around 34 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature close to 26 degrees Celsius.

The weather shift could bring relief from humidity but may also impact traffic movement and outdoor activities due to sudden showers and strong winds.

## Bihar And Jharkhand On Lightning Alert

Several districts in Bihar are likely to experience thunderstorms, rainfall and strong winds. Areas including Patna, Gaya, Madhubani, Supaul, Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Munger and Begusarai are under weather watch.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as lightning activity could increase during thunderstorms. People have been advised to avoid open areas during severe weather conditions.

Jharkhand districts including Deoghar, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Gumla and Palamu may also receive heavy rainfall.

Wind speeds in some parts of Jharkhand could reach 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, according to the weather forecast.

## Hill States Prepare For Changing Weather Conditions

The Himalayan region is also expected to witness unstable weather conditions.

Uttarakhand districts including Chamoli, Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Nainital may experience rainfall and thunderstorms.

In Himachal Pradesh, areas including Chamba, Shimla, Mandi, Solan, Kangra and Una may witness weather changes.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are also likely to experience rain and strong winds, with authorities advising travellers to check local weather conditions before planning journeys.

## Bay Of Bengal System May Bring Fresh Rain Spell

A new weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal could intensify rainfall activity in the coming days.

According to forecasts, a depression may form over the east-central Bay of Bengal around September 21 and could strengthen further over the west-central Bay of Bengal by September 22.

The system may impact coastal regions, especially Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with stronger winds and increased rainfall activity.

Weather officials are closely monitoring the system as it could influence weather conditions across multiple states.

## Farmers, Travellers And Residents Advised To Stay Alert

The coming days remain important as India moves from the southwest monsoon season towards the post-monsoon period.

The IMD has advised people to follow official weather updates, especially in regions facing risks from heavy rainfall, lightning and thunderstorms.

For farmers, commuters and travellers, changing weather patterns could bring challenges as well as short-term rainfall benefits in different parts of the country.

Location :  New Delhi

Published :  20 September 2026, 3:55 PM IST

Advertisement