Northeast Monsoon to Arrive Post October 15: IMD

Fast Summary

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, announced that the northeast monsoon will commence as per its normal date after October 15.
• IMD Bengaluru director C.S. Patil stated that the northeast monsoon is predicted to be normal this year.
• South Interior Karnataka is expected to receive heavy rainfall, while North Interior Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka may not experience meaningful rain during the northeast monsoon period (October-December).
• For the recently concluded southwest monsoon season (June 1 – September 1), Karnataka received 786 mm of rainfall against a normal of 675.6 mm, reflecting a surplus of 16%. However, some districts in the state reported deficient rainfall despite this overall increase.
• Rainfall is forecast for parts of Karnataka over the next few days. in Bengaluru, temperatures have been slightly above average wiht generally cloudy weather and light rain expected.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The IMD’s prediction of a “normal” northeast monsoon offers reassurance to southern Indian states as they gear up for their most critical rainy season. For karnataka specifically, South Interior regions anticipating heavier rains underline an uneven distribution trend seen during both major Indian monsoons this year-a factor that could affect agriculture and water management policies in less-rained areas like North Interior Karnataka.

While surplus rainfall in this year’s southwest monsoon adds to stored water reserves and agricultural potential overall disruption exists from deficits locally raising questions about wider coordination needed better district irrigation/storage .