India's monsoon rains started retreating from the northwest of the country on Monday, nearly a week later than normal, the state-run India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement. India's annual monsoon provides

IMD announces southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan and Gujarat, setting stage for rabi crop sowing.

The IMD predicts that widespread rainfall will continue over parts of Gujarat and western India throughout the week, which could delay the withdrawal in those areas

As per the IMD weather bulletin, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are likely to have average rainfall for this whole week along with isolated heavy showers from 23 Sept to 26 Sept.

The Southwest Monsoon arrived in Gujarat on June 11, four days ahead of the schedule. “Conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon from parts of West Rajasthan and Kutch around September 23,

The Met Department predicts light to moderate rainfall across the country, while Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are to experience isolated heavy rainfall from September 23 to 26

Delhi faced sweltering heat with a max of 36°C and worsening air quality as the monsoon's retreat is delayed. No rain expected until Tuesday.