Keralam braces for northeast monsoon after 28% southwest monsoon deficit

A marked shift in wind direction from westerlies to easterlies has already occurred, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is expected to announce the onset within the next 24 hours, with the prescribed criteria having almost been met. (file image) | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

After a deficient southwest monsoon season, which was 28% deficient in Keralam, the stage is set for the onset of the northeast monsoon over the State and the southern peninsula, with mixed prospects for rainfall. A marked shift in wind direction from westerlies to easterlies has already occurred, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is expected to announce the onset within the next 24 hours, with the prescribed criteria having almost been met.

Speaking to The Hindu, Neetha K. Gopal, Director, IMD, Thiruvananthapuram, said the withdrawal criteria for the southwest monsoon are expected to be fulfilled by October 15, paving the way for the simultaneous onset of the northeast monsoon. Persistent surface easterlies have been established, triggering rainfall over the southernmost parts of Tamil Nadu. By Thursday (October 15, 2026), the rain is expected to spread to other parts of Tamil Nadu, including the entire coast, as well as adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh, marking the onset of the two-and-a-half-month northeast monsoon season over southern India, including Keralam, she said.