Southwest Monsoon Withdraws, Northeast Monsoon Commences Over Southern India
Southwest Monsoon Withdraws, Northeast Monsoon Commences Over Southern India
IN · Published Oct 15, 2026
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from India as of October 15,
• This marks one of the earliest retreats of the southwest monsoon in the past 26 years. Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon has commenced, bringing rainfall activity to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe. The IMD predicts widespread rainfall with lightning and gusty winds across these regions until October 21, with isolated heavy rainfall in some areas. This transition is expected to bring significant weather changes to the southern peninsula.

Impact & Risks

The onset of the northeast monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of South India, which could lead to waterlogging and localised flooding in low-lying areas. Farmers in South Interior Karnataka have been advised to ensure proper drainage in crop fields to prevent water stagnation. In the north, a Western Disturbance has caused heavy rainfall and snowfall, leading to road closures in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Slippery roads and reduced visibility pose travel risks in these regions.

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