North India is currently undergoing a notable meteorological transition as the southwest monsoon enters its final phase of withdrawal. This shift is marked by changing cloud patterns and the influence of a Western Disturbance, which has brought unexpected rainfall to several regions.
Satellite imagery captured by India’s INSAT-3DS on September 23 and September 27, 2026, distinctly illustrates this evolving weather landscape. While the earlier image showed extensive cloud cover over northern and northeastern India, the later image reveals a much clearer sky across northwestern and central parts of the country.
Western Disturbance Brings Rainfall
A Western Disturbance, an eastward-moving weather system originating from the Mediterranean region, swept across northern India on Friday and Saturday. These systems are known to bring cloudiness, rain, and thunderstorms, particularly when interacting with existing moisture.
In this instance, the Western Disturbance's interaction with a depression over central India has triggered rainfall across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). This precipitation occurs even as the broader southwest monsoon withdrawal continues its progression from northwest India towards central and eastern regions.
Monsoon Withdrawal Timeline
Rainfall activity is anticipated to subside across many parts of the country by the end of September, with September 29, 2026, identified as a potential turning point towards drier conditions. However, the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from India is not tied to a single, fixed date.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) evaluates multiple factors before declaring further monsoon withdrawal, including the cessation of rainfall, a decline in atmospheric moisture, and shifts in wind circulation patterns. It is also important to note that even after the official monsoon retreat, localized weather systems can still generate rainfall, especially in southern and eastern India. These two recent satellite images effectively capture this crucial seasonal transition as India moves from its four-month monsoon period towards the cooler months ahead.