Southwest monsoon withdraws as northeast monsoon begins in southern India
Southwest monsoon withdraws as northeast monsoon begins in 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 Thursday, 15 October
• Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon has commenced over southern parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe. The southwest monsoon, which typically spans June to September, ended with a rainfall deficit of 12.6%, recording 759.4 mm against the normal 868.6 mm. The deficit has been attributed to strengthening El Nino conditions in the tropical Pacific since June. The northeast monsoon, less intense than its southwest counterpart, is crucial for rabi crop growth and is expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall to south peninsular India until 21 October.

Impact & Risks

The southwest monsoon's below-normal rainfall has implications for India's agricultural sector, particularly the kharif crop cycle, which relies heavily on monsoon rains. The onset of the northeast monsoon is expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall to southern states, which could lead to localised flooding in vulnerable areas. Farmers in these regions may benefit from the rainfall for rabi crop cultivation, but excessive rain could disrupt harvesting activities. Additionally, the strengthening El Nino conditions may continue to influence weather patterns, potentially leading to warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall in the coming months.

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