Monsoon Retreat Begins in Northwest: Gurgaon Welcomes Dry Spell After 30% Above-Normal Rainfall

21 sep 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the onset of southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of northwest India, including Haryana. For Gurgaon, a city that endured a season of heavy rainfall—about 623 mm, nearly 30% above normal—this retreat signals a shift towards clearer skies, lower humidity, and warmer days.

While the rains replenished aquifers and eased long-standing water scarcity concerns, they also exposed the city’s drainage challenges, with clogged carriageways, waterlogging, and traffic snarls becoming routine. The upcoming dry spell offers much-needed relief and a window for civic agencies to prepare for the festive season rush.

Signs of Monsoon Withdrawal

Meteorologists identify withdrawal through:

Reduced cloud cover and rainfall activity.
Wind pattern shifts from moist easterlies to dry westerlies.
Rising day temperatures and clearer skies.

In Gurgaon, these signs are already evident. Residents reported:

A crisper breeze over the weekend.
Noticeably lower humidity compared to early September.
Blue skies replacing weeks of dense cloud cover.

The Numbers: A Rainy Season in Review

Total Rainfall: ~623 mm.
Deviation: 30% above normal.
Impact:
- Positive: Aquifers replenished, groundwater recharge improved.
- Negative: Strain on drains, potholes, and flooding in low-lying areas.

According to IMD data, Gurgaon was among NCR’s wettest zones this season, surpassing both Delhi and Faridabad in cumulative rainfall.

What the Dry Spell Means for Gurgaon

For Citizens:

More comfortable evenings with reduced stickiness.
Potential for dust spells during transition weeks.
Stable weather for outdoor activities and travel.

For Civic Agencies:

Opportunity to inspect and repair stormwater drains.
Pothole patching and road resurfacing ahead of festival traffic.
Clearing debris and ensuring street lighting in flood-prone areas.

Seasonal Transition Patterns

Experts caution that the transition from monsoon to post-monsoon isn’t entirely smooth. Gurgaon could still experience:

Localized dust storms.
Brief thundershowers caused by residual moisture.
However, no significant rainfall events are forecast for the coming week.

Broader Climate Picture

Monsoon withdrawal is a climate-sensitive milestone:

It influences agricultural planning, especially for rabi crops in Haryana.
Signals the onset of northwest India’s dry autumn before winter chill.
Provides data for long-term climate tracking, especially as irregular monsoon patterns have become common in recent years.

Civic Preparedness

The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) and Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) have outlined plans to:

Conduct drain desilting drives.
Repair damaged road sections in key sectors.
Step up festival readiness, including traffic diversions and crowd control.

An MCG official said: “The dry spell is our window to prepare for October’s heavy traffic. We are prioritizing stretches like Sohna Road and MG Road.”

Resident Perspectives

Corporate employee (Cyber Hub): “The cooler evenings are a welcome change after sticky commutes.”
Shopkeeper (Sadar Bazaar): “The rains helped water supply, but drains overflowed. We hope the city uses this dry spell to clean up before Diwali.”
Student (Sector 56): “Skies look clearer, perfect for outdoor sports again.”

Environmental Angle

Environmentalists see a mixed picture:

Positives: Groundwater recharge, green cover revival.
Concerns: Short-term flooding exposed poor urban planning.
Future Risks: More extreme rainfall years could overwhelm infrastructure unless long-term planning improves.

Looking Ahead

IMD forecasts for Gurgaon:

Daytime Highs: 35–36°C.
Night Lows: 25–26°C.
Humidity: Falling gradually.
Rain: Minimal to none for the coming week.

This post-monsoon transition will likely last until early October, after which winter trends will begin to dominate.

Conclusion

For Gurgaon, the monsoon retreat brings both relief and responsibility. Relief from incessant rains and humidity, and responsibility for civic agencies to use this dry window for repairs and maintenance.

As the city shifts gears for the festive season, residents can finally enjoy clearer skies while keeping fingers crossed that climate volatility doesn’t bring sudden surprises.

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