EnvironmentSouthwest monsoon withdraws from entire country as northeast monsoon rainfall begins over the south
IMD says the seasonal transition occurred on 15 October, with northeast monsoon rainfall activity commencing over Tamil Nadu and parts of adjoining peninsular India.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 15 Oct 2026Updated 30 Oct 20261 min read
The India Meteorological Department announced on 15 October that the southwest monsoon had withdrawn from the entire country. At the same time, northeast monsoon rainfall activity commenced over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka and Kerala-Mahe.
The transition is climatologically important because the northeast monsoon is a major rainfall season for southeastern peninsular India, especially Tamil Nadu. Withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is based on observed atmospheric and rainfall conditions; it is not simply a fixed calendar date.
For civil-services preparation, relate the event to seasonal wind reversal, the retreating monsoon, Bay of Bengal systems and the distinct rainfall climatology of southeastern India. A national southwest-monsoon withdrawal does not mean rainfall stops across India, because different seasonal and synoptic systems can become active.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IGS-IIIIndian climatology; monsoon mechanism; weather systemsPrelims: HighMains: MediumModerate
Why this matters
IMD declared complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon on 15 October and simultaneous commencement of northeast monsoon rainfall activity over parts of south India.
Key facts
- Complete southwest-monsoon withdrawal: 15 October 2026.
- Northeast monsoon rainfall began over Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern regions.
- Tamil Nadu receives an important share of annual rainfall from the northeast monsoon.
Key terms
- southwest monsoon
- northeast monsoon
- retreating monsoon
- IMD
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Mechanism of retreating monsoon
- Northeast monsoon dependence of Tamil Nadu
- Weather versus climate distinction
India’s context
The seasonal transition directly affects agriculture, reservoirs and disaster preparedness in southern India.
Keep in mind
Withdrawal of the southwest monsoon does not mean all-India rainfall ceases.
Practice question
Explain why the northeast monsoon is particularly important for southeastern peninsular India.
Revision summary
- Southwest monsoon fully withdrew on 15 October.
- Northeast monsoon activity began simultaneously in the south.
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