Study Reveals Monsoon's First Onset Over Northeast India by Mid-May
Study Reveals Monsoon's First Onset Over Northeast India by Mid-May
IN · Published Nov 12, 2026
• A recent study conducted by researchers from IIT-Madras and Gauhati University has revealed that the Indian monsoon system first forms over Northeast India around May 15, weeks before it reaches the Indian peninsula. The findings, published in the Journal of Climate, are based on an analysis of 84 years of daily rainfall data from 1940 to
• The study utilised a climate-network approach to demonstrate how small clusters of rainfall onsets develop independently across the country. These clusters eventually merge into a larger system, with initial activity observed in April over Northeast India due to thunderstorm activity. By mid-May, this cluster combines with another system moving northwards from the southeastern Bay of Bengal, forming a large interconnected monsoon system that begins spreading westwards.

Impact & Risks

The study highlights the critical role of Northeast India in the early stages of the monsoon system. This region experiences significant rainfall activity earlier than other parts of the country, which could have implications for agriculture, water resource management, and disaster preparedness in the area. Understanding the early onset of monsoon in this region can help improve forecasting models and provide better insights into the timing and intensity of the monsoon, potentially mitigating risks associated with delayed or excessive rainfall.

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