Monsoon Departure: IMD Confirms End of Southwest Monsoon Across India
Southwest Monsoon Concludes Nationwide
The southwest monsoon has officially retreated from across India, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on October 15, 2026. This marks the formal end of the four-month monsoon season. However, the departure of the monsoon does not imply an end to rainfall in the country. Particularly in southern states, the northeast monsoon is expected to bring a new wave of rain.
Below-Average Rainfall Recorded in 2026
According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon's withdrawal was completed on October 15. This year, the country experienced below-average rainfall during the monsoon season. Preliminary seasonal assessments indicate that total rainfall from June to September was approximately 13% less than the long-term average. This shortfall could impact agriculture, reservoirs, and groundwater levels, although the actual effects will vary by state and region based on rainfall amounts and available water resources.
Concerns Over El Niño
Amid the monsoon's departure, discussions surrounding the El Niño phenomenon have intensified. El Niño is a climate-related event characterized by higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon can significantly affect weather patterns in various regions globally. In India, El Niño conditions have often been associated with weaker monsoon rains, although its impact can vary each time.
Northeast Monsoon Activity in Southern India
With the exit of the southwest monsoon, the northeast monsoon has become active in parts of southern India. The IMD forecasts rainfall activities in regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka. The northeast monsoon typically lasts from October to December and is crucial for rainfall in southern India.
Impact on Farmers
The below-average rainfall during the monsoon can pose challenges for agriculture and water resources. Areas that did not receive sufficient rainfall may face difficulties with soil moisture, reservoir levels, and the sowing of rabi crops. Conversely, the northeast monsoon's rains in southern India could be vital for certain crops and water sources.
Future Weather Outlook
Currently, the southwest monsoon has departed from the country, but northeast monsoon activities are expected to continue in southern India. The meteorological department is closely monitoring the El Niño situation. Future weather assessments will be based on sea temperatures, atmospheric conditions, and regional rainfall data.