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Mumbai: The capital city of Maharashtra saw the Southwest Monsoon officially withdraw on Friday, marking the earliest retreat of the season since 2018 and the second-earliest since 2006. This announcement follows a season of early monsoon onset and above-average rainfall across the city.
Typically, the monsoon begins to withdraw from Mumbai around October 8. This year, the retreat was slightly delayed due to a western disturbance system that brought light rainfall over the weekend. However, dry weather has prevailed since Tuesday, with both suburban and island city observatories recording no rainfall, confirming the end of the monsoon season.
Historical records show that Mumbai has often experienced delayed monsoon withdrawals in recent years. Last year, the monsoon receded on October 15, while in 2022 and 2023, the withdrawal was delayed by more than two weeks, being announced on October 23. In 2020, the monsoon stayed on until October 28. In contrast, early withdrawals were noted in 2018, on October 6, and in 2006, on October 9.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers several factors before declaring a monsoon withdrawal. These include reductions in moisture levels as seen in satellite imagery, changes in wind patterns, spatial continuity of dry conditions, and at least five consecutive days of dry weather. Officials note that delays in monsoon withdrawal are a common seasonal occurrence, often influenced by developing weather systems over the region.
| Date | Min Temp | Max Temp | Weather Forecast | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-Oct | 23 | 34 | Partly cloudy sky | No warning |
| 12-Oct | 23 | 34 | Clear sky | No warning |
| 13-Oct | 23 | 34 | Clear sky | No warning |
| 14-Oct | 23 | 33 | Partly cloudy sky | No warning |
| 15-Oct | 22 | 34 | Partly cloudy sky | No warning |
| 16-Oct | 22 | 34 | Possibility of rain or thundershowers accompanied with squall | No warning |
| 17-Oct | 22 | 34 | Possibility of rain or thundershowers accompanied with squall | No warning |
This year’s withdrawal comes after Mumbai recorded its earliest monsoon onset since 1950, with the season beginning on May 26. The city received 3,100.4 mm of rainfall between June and September, well above average. In October, rainfall totals stood at 32 mm in the suburbs and more than 72 mm at the Colaba station, indicating the continued influence of residual weather systems before the complete retreat of the monsoon.
