The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the entire country, at the same time, the northeast monsoon has set in over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka and Kerala-Mahe.
The IMD has forecast enhanced rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy showers over Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next seven days. Very heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep on Thursday and Friday.
In the past 24 hours, Tamil Nadu recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, while Konkan and Goa reported heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
IMD defines heavy rain as rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, very heavy rain as rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm, and extremely heavy rain as rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm.
In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain largely clear between October 16 and 19.
On Thursday, the maximum temperature is likely to range between 31°C and 33°C, slightly below normal, with northwesterly winds blowing at 10–15 kmph in the afternoon, slowing down in the evening.
On October 17 and 18, clear skies with mist or haze during the morning hours are expected. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover between 32°C and 34°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to range between 17°C and 20°C. Winds will predominantly blow from the northwest and west during the day, shifting to the north and northeast by night.
On October 19, smog or shallow fog is likely in the morning, followed by clear skies with light haze. Maximum temperatures will remain between 32°C and 34°C, with minimum temperatures ranging from 19°C to 21°C. Northeasterly winds are expected to prevail, with moderate speeds during the day and a gradual decrease in the evening.
The onset of the northeast monsoon marks the beginning of the primary rainy season for Tamil Nadu and parts of southern India, even as North India moves towards cooler, clearer autumn weather conditions.