Southwest monsoon withdraws from entire country: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Thursday that the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the entire country, ending a year marked by a 12.6% rainfall deficit compared to normal levels. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe experienced northeast monsoon activity on the same day.

The southwest monsoon, which typically brings heavy rains to India from June to September, played a crucial role in the country's economy, particularly in supporting the kharif crop cycle. This year, the monsoon ended with only 759.4 mm of rainfall, falling short of the typical 868.6 mm.

The onset of the northeast monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, was expected to bring widespread rain to Tamil Nadu from October 15, lasting until October 20. The northeast monsoon, while less intense than its southwest counterpart, is significant for the growth of rabi crops.

The unusual weather pattern of this year's monsoon season has been attributed to the influence of El Nino, a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This El Nino event, which emerged in June and has been strengthening since, is expected to peak in December 2026 and could become the strongest on record since observations began in 1950.