Pune, 16th October 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the complete withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from India and the onset of the Northeast Monsoon over southern parts of the country. The withdrawal was completed on October 15, in line with the normal schedule.
The monsoon's retreat began on September 19, close to the usual withdrawal date of September 17 from Rajasthan. Typically, the period from the monsoon's arrival in Kerala to its complete withdrawal from the country lasts around 137 days. This year, the monsoon remained active for 133 days.
The IMD said the Northeast Monsoon has become active over southern India, the south-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the northwest Bay of Bengal.
Rainfall was reported across Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Rayalaseema, south Karnataka and parts of Kerala. Some locations also received heavy rainfall.
The IMD identified the prevailing wind pattern near the surface, along with widespread rainfall across these regions, as key indicators of the Northeast Monsoon's onset.
Despite the onset of the Northeast Monsoon, rainfall across India remained significantly below normal during the first fortnight of the post-monsoon season. The country recorded a 69% rainfall deficit during this period.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were among the states that recorded rainfall more than 60% below their respective averages.