Northeast Monsoon Likely to Begin in Tamil Nadu on October 17

The Northeast Monsoon is likely to begin in Tamil Nadu on October 17, 2026, according to the Chennai Meteorological Department. The state is awaiting the seasonal rainfall to replenish water resources and meet drinking water needs.

Tamil Nadu received 20% less rainfall than normal during the Southwest Monsoon season. Since April, intense heat has affected several areas, leading to a significant decline in water levels in reservoirs and lakes.

The combined storage capacity of the reservoirs supplying drinking water to Chennai, including Poondi, Puzhal, Chembarambakkam and Veeranam, is 13,222 million cubic feet. However, the current storage stands at around 4,730 million cubic feet, accounting for 35.77% of the total capacity.

According to meteorological officials, an upper-air circulation may develop over the Andaman Sea on October 11. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It may strengthen and move towards northern Tamil Nadu and the southern Andhra Pradesh coast over the following four days.

Officials have stated that the system is not expected to intensify into a cyclone. However, it may change wind patterns, bringing northeasterly winds towards Tamil Nadu from October 17 and marking the likely onset of the Northeast Monsoon.

The seasonal rainfall is expected to play an important role in replenishing water bodies and supporting drinking water requirements across Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.