Stories
IMD Alert: Low pressure systems in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea likely to intensify rainfall.
- •The southwest monsoon has completely withdrawn from the country, and northeast monsoon rains have commenced in several states of South India.
- •Cyclonic circulations and low-pressure areas are likely to form over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, increasing rainfall activity during October 22 to 28.
- •An active western disturbance in northwest India may bring rain, thunderstorms, and hail to states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- •Strong to very strong El Nino conditions currently prevail over the equatorial Pacific Ocean and may strengthen further by the end of 2026.
Key Questions Answered
Following the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, northeast monsoon rains commenced over South India. According to the IMD, widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and South Interior Karnataka through October 21. Additionally, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in these regions on multiple days.
An active western disturbance in northwest India will bring rain and inclement weather to several states, including widespread rain at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The IMD has also warned of possible hail in these areas alongside thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.
Strong to very strong El Nino conditions currently prevail over the equatorial Pacific Ocean with significantly above-normal sea surface temperatures, and they are forecast to strengthen further by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole conditions prevail across the Indian Ocean and are likely to persist during the forecast period.
