Northeast monsoon starts after India’s southwest season falls short
New rain may aid southern farms while increasing flood and waterlogging risks.
Overview
India’s has ended nationwide after bringing 759.4 millimetres of rain. That was 12.6% below the usual 868.6 millimetres. The June-to-September rains provide most of India’s yearly rainfall. The shortage could strain some reservoirs, groundwater and soils, affecting water supplies and decisions about .
The began on October 15 in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, , coastal Andhra Pradesh, , south interior Karnataka, and Kerala and . It brings rain from the northeast between October and December and is important in southern India. Widespread rain and some heavy falls are expected through October 21. They could help refill water sources and farms, but also cause floods and urban waterlogging. A normal may ease local shortages, but cannot erase the national shortfall or help every area.
Timeline
Water and farm planning shifts to the northeast monsoon
The northeast monsoon became the next major source of rainfall for southern states, influencing reservoir operations, groundwater recharge and rabi sowing decisions. New rain can improve local water and soil conditions, but it cannot automatically erase the southwest season's , and intense bursts can create .
IMD forecasts a wet spell through October 21
The IMD forecast widespread rainfall with across many parts of south through October 21. The outlook covered areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions, bringing potential relief for water supplies while raising short-term risks of flooding, landslides and .
Northeast monsoon begins in southern India
Northeast monsoon rainfall activity commenced over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, , south interior Karnataka, and Kerala and Mahe. Unlike the southwest monsoon, which generally runs from June to September with southwesterly winds, the northeast or generally occurs from October to December and is especially important for peninsular India.
IMD declares nationwide withdrawal
The declared that the southwest monsoon had withdrawn from the entire country. The formal announcement became an for changing rainfall expectations, water management and agricultural planning.
Season ends with a 12.6% rainfall deficit
India recorded 759.4 mm of southwest monsoon rain, compared with the normal 868.6 mm, a 12.6% shortfall. The national figure concealed regional differences, with implications for , , and farm decisions.
Southwest monsoon begins withdrawing
The weakened and withdrew in stages from northwestern, central, eastern and northern peninsular India during early and mid-October. This marked the closing phase of the June-to-September rainfall system and prepared the to the .