From Deluge to Dry Skies: Decoding Bengal’s Monsoon Withdrawal and the Onset of Winter’s Embrace 

The southwest monsoon has begun its withdrawal from West Bengal, a process set to be complete by October 18, marking a significant seasonal shift that will bring relief to a state battered by recent record rainfall and devastating landslides. With the monsoon’s retreat, dry north winds will flow freely into the region, causing a noticeable drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures and clearing the humid, overcast skies.

This transition from a period of destructive floods to a stable, drier regime paves the way for the early arrival of a pleasant winter, offering a psychological and physical reprieve and setting the stage for agricultural recalibration, a tourism rebound, and urban recovery efforts.

From Deluge to Dry Skies: Decoding Bengal’s Monsoon Withdrawal and the Onset of Winter’s Embrace 

The familiar, heavy blanket of humidity is finally lifting. After months of torrential downpours that culminated in tragic floods and landslides, the skies over West Bengal are clearing. The official withdrawal of the southwest monsoon has commenced, marking a pivotal shift in the subcontinent’s annual weather narrative. This isn’t merely a meteorological footnote; it’s a profound transition that will reshape the daily life, mood, and rhythm of the region for the coming months. 

For the residents of Kolkata and beyond, the announcement from the Alipore Meteorological Office is a welcome sigh of relief. The process, which began in North Bengal, is set to see the monsoon fully retreat from the state by October 18. This clears the stage for the unhindered flow of cool, dry northerly winds, promising a gradual but steady descent in temperatures. But what does this transition truly entail? Let’s delve beyond the headline to understand the science, the significance, and the societal shift this change heralds. 

The Mechanics of Retreat: More Than Just a Departing Rain Cloud 

The withdrawal of the monsoon is a systematic, large-scale atmospheric process, not a random cessation of rain. It is declared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) based on a specific set of conditions: 

• Cessation of Rainfall Activity: The most obvious sign is a significant reduction in rainfall over a defined area for at least five consecutive days. 

• Establishment of an Anticyclone: A high-pressure system must build in the lower troposphere, which acts as a blocking mechanism, pushing the moisture-laden monsoon winds back. 

• Shift in Wind Pattern: A perceptible change from the dominant south-westerly winds to a dry north-easterly or northerly flow is crucial. 

• A Decline in Moisture: A marked reduction in atmospheric humidity is a key indicator. 

This year, the retreat has followed a classic trajectory, having already withdrawn from stations like Varanasi, Jabalpur, and Akola. As it marches steadily eastwards, it is set to vacate not just Bengal, but also parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Sikkim in the coming days. The cyclonic circulation over South Bangladesh is the monsoon’s last gasp, potentially bringing scattered rain to South Bengal, but its influence is waning fast. 

A Tale of Two Seasons: The Contrasting Legacy of Monsoon 2025 

This year’s monsoon will be remembered for its ferocity. The memory of September 23rd, when overnight incessant rain submerged vast swathes of Kolkata, is still fresh. The city’s aging drainage infrastructure was overwhelmed, turning streets into rivers and homes into islands. The trauma was compounded earlier in October when massive landslides in the picturesque but vulnerable hills of North Bengal claimed around 40 lives. 

This context makes the current withdrawal not just a seasonal change, but a moment of collective recovery. The record rainfall has left the land saturated and the people weary. The transition to a drier regime is, therefore, a psychological and physical reprieve. It allows for the mammoth task of urban and regional rehabilitation to begin in earnest, free from the immediate threat of another downpour. 

The “Poush” Prelude: What to Expect as Winter Creeps In 

The departure of the monsoon paves the way for the early arrival of winter, a season cherished in Bengal for its pleasant days and crisp, cool nights. The MeT Office’s forecast of a dip in both minimum and maximum temperatures is the first official whisper of the coming “Hemanto” and “Sheet” seasons. 

1. The Changing Sky and Air: The most immediate change is the quality of the sky. The oppressive, grey cloud cover gives way to a brilliant, clear blue. The air, once thick with moisture, becomes lighter and drier. This drop in humidity is a boon for everything from infrastructure to personal comfort, slowing the spread of mold and making the ambient temperature feel far more agreeable.
2. The Signature Kolkata Winter: While not as harsh as in North India, Kolkata’s winter has a distinct character. The days become sunny and pleasant, with maximum temperatures settling in the mid-to-high 20s°C, perfect for outdoor activities. The real magic, however, lies in the early mornings and late evenings. As the northerly winds sweep across the Gangetic plains, they bring down the minimum temperature, which can often dip to a refreshing 13-15°C by December and January. The city wakes up to a gentle, cool haze, a welcome contrast to the months of mugginess.
3. A Cultural and Culinary Shift: This meteorological transition directly influences Bengali culture. The season inspires a new wave of poetry and music, while the culinary landscape shifts. Heavy monsoon curries make way for seasonal specialties like the wide variety of “Shorshe Bata” (mustard paste-based fish dishes), “Pithe-Puli” (traditional winter sweets), and an abundance of fresh, leafy greens like “Palong Shaak” (spinach). Street food vendors see a surge in sales of hot, sizzling “Moglai Parathas” and “Kathi Rolls,” their steam rising into the cool evening air.

Life After the Monsoon: A Region Recalibrates 

The end of the monsoon is a signal for various sectors to recalibrate: 

• Agriculture: For farmers, this marks the beginning of the “Rabi” cropping season. The receding moisture allows for the sowing of crops like wheat, pulses, and mustard. The clear skies and cooler weather are ideal for the harvest of “Aman” paddy that was sown during the monsoon. 

• Tourism: This is arguably the best time to visit West Bengal. From the bustling streets of Kolkata during the festival season (Durga Puja, just concluded, is followed by Kali Puja and Diwali) to the serene beauty of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, the weather is a major draw. The Himalayan views become crystal clear, and the plains are comfortable for exploration. 

• Urban Infrastructure: For city municipalities, this is a critical window for urgent repair work—fixing roads damaged by waterlogging, cleaning clogged drains, and undertaking structural repairs—before the next cycle begins. 

A Cautious Optimism for the Future 

As the sun sets on another monsoon season, the sentiment across Bengal is one of cautious optimism. The state has weathered a literal and metaphorical storm. The transition to drier, cooler weather is a natural balm, offering a chance to heal, rebuild, and rejuvenate. 

The sky, now clearing of its monsoon burden, promises not just a change in temperature, but a change in tempo. It invites a slower, more reflective pace of life—of evenings spent on the “roof-top” (terrace), of warm “sarees” and “shawls” taken out of storage, and of a deep, collective appreciation for the gentle, life-affirming coolness that defines a Bengali winter. The monsoon’s dramatic exit is, in every sense, the serene and much-anticipated prologue to the most delightful season of the year.