Pune sees earliest monsoon retreat since 2014 as withdrawal begins in Maharashtra

The southwest monsoon began withdrawing from Maharashtra on October 3, with the withdrawal line reaching Pune, marking the city’s earliest monsoon retreat since 2014. The withdrawal occurred without a significant final rainfall spell, leaving the state with a 17% rainfall deficit for the season. The monsoon had stalled after reaching Gujarat on September 23, but withdrawal resumed on October 3, advancing across central India. The India Meteorological Department reported withdrawal from parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, with conditions favorable for further retreat and dry weather expected. Pune’s withdrawal is five days earlier than the previous earliest retreat on October 8, 2023, and seven days ahead of last year. Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions persist, with daytime temperatures about 3°C above normal due to clear skies and atmospheric moisture.