Chandigarh, Sept 24: The Southwest Monsoon 2025 has withdrawn from the remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Wednesday, officially ending the four-month rainy season in the region.
Between June 1 and September 24 (0830 hrs), Chandigarh recorded 1,071.2 mm of rainfall — nearly 28 percent above normal. Mohali and Panchkula also ended the season with normal to above-normal showers, leaving reservoirs and groundwater storage at comfortable levels.
“With the withdrawal of monsoon, mainly dry and clear conditions will prevail across Punjab, Haryana and the Tricity over the next five to six days,” an IMD official said. “Day temperatures are expected to remain slightly above normal.”
Chandigarh on Tuesday recorded a maximum of 35.3°C, around 3°C higher than usual, while the minimum was 24.2°C, 1°C above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 89 percent in the morning and 45 percent by evening, with no rainfall in the past 24 hours. In Mohali, the maximum touched 34.4°C with a minimum of 25.7°C, while Panchkula saw similar dry and warm conditions.
Agricultural impact
The exit of the monsoon coincides with kharif crops such as paddy, maize and cotton reaching the maturity stage. Farmers said the dry spell will aid harvesting and lower the risk of pests and diseases. However, late-sown crops may now require planned irrigation.
“Good rains this season have helped recharge reservoirs and the groundwater table, which will benefit the upcoming rabi sowing,” an agriculture officer in Mohali noted.
Air quality concerns
While clear skies are expected in the near term, environmental experts warned that dry weather could gradually worsen air quality. “Dust and pollutants tend to accumulate when winds are calm and skies remain clear. With stubble-burning season ahead, the AQI across Punjab, Haryana and the Tricity may deteriorate further,” a Chandigarh-based environmental scientist said.
Looking ahead
Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 35°C and 37°C over the next few days, with relatively humid nights. Cooling conditions are expected by early October as the post-monsoon transition begins.
The monsoon, which arrived in the region in late June, departs this year with above-normal rainfall in several districts, offering both relief for farmers and challenges in managing the seasonal shift.
