Monsoon Withdraws From Gujarat; State Records Lowest Rainfall In 8 Years

Gujarat has officially entered the post-monsoon phase, with the state recording its lowest cumulative seasonal rainfall since 2018. The state received 31.81 inches of rain, equivalent to 89.18% of its long-period average, resulting in a 10% overall rainfall deficit. Saurashtra recorded a larger 23% deficit, while Devbhumi Dwarka reported the lowest rainfall among Gujarat districts.

Monsoon Retreat Accelerates Across Gujarat

According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon began withdrawing from Kutch and parts of North Gujarat on September 29, earlier than its normal schedule. The retreat line is currently passing through Porbandar and Vallabh Vidyanagar.

Dry winds have strengthened across Gujarat over the past four days, creating favourable conditions for the remaining monsoon systems to exit the state. The monsoon is expected to completely withdraw from all parts of Gujarat within the next two to three days.

The early retreat has been attributed to the strong El Niño conditions this year, which contributed to weaker monsoon activity and accelerated the withdrawal.

South Gujarat Records Above-Normal Rainfall

While most regions remained below their seasonal averages, South Gujarat was the exception, receiving 58.34 inches of rainfall — 118.23% of its average.

The regional rainfall figures were:

●     Kutch: 11.35 inches — 57.60% of average

●     North Gujarat: 20.42 inches — 71.04%

●     East-Central Gujarat: 28.89 inches — 88.67%

●     Saurashtra: 21.43 inches — 71.43%

●     South Gujarat: 58.34 inches — 118.23%

Devbhumi Dwarka recorded the lowest rainfall at just 19% of its average.

Gujarat’s Rainfall Lowest Since 2018

The 2026 monsoon has produced Gujarat’s weakest cumulative rainfall performance in eight years.

In 2018, another year marked by weak seasonal rainfall, Gujarat received an average of 25.10 inches, equivalent to 77% of its long-period average. This year’s 31.81-inch total is higher in absolute terms but still represents a significant shortfall against the seasonal average.

Rainfall recorded up to October over the past five years shows a sharp contrast:

October Likely To Remain Hot And Dry

With the monsoon withdrawal progressing, the Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal temperatures across Gujarat during October.

The state is also expected to experience predominantly dry weather, with below-average chances of unseasonal rainfall, locally known as maavthu. The retreat of the monsoon is therefore likely to mark a shift towards hotter and drier conditions across much of Gujarat.