New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the entire country on October 15, 2026, while the northeast monsoon rainfall activity has commenced over southern peninsular India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

The northeast monsoon has set in over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, and Kerala and Mahe.

According to the IMD, the onset of northeast monsoon rainfall activity is associated with an upper-air cyclonic circulation over south Coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas in the lower tropospheric levels.

Easterly to northeasterly winds have also set in over southern peninsular India, the southern and central Bay of Bengal, and adjoining parts of the northwestern Bay of Bengal in the lower tropospheric levels.

The weather department reported that fairly widespread rainfall occurred over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, along with adjoining areas of south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Rayalaseema, during the past 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall was recorded at a few places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the same period. Moderate rainfall occurred at many places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, as well as south Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The commencement of northeast monsoon rainfall marks the seasonal transition following the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the country. The northeast monsoon is a major source of rainfall for Tamil Nadu and other parts of southeastern peninsular India.