Rapid Fire
Northeast Monsoon
- 18 Oct 2025
- 2 min read
The timely onset of the northeast monsoon in October 2025 has brought much-needed relief to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, regions that rely heavily on it for both agriculture and water security.
- Northeast Monsoon (October to December): As the southwest monsoon (June to September) begins to fade, the northeast monsoon sets in by October.
- This is also called the retreating monsoon. It is shorter and less widespread but still important, especially for southern India.
- By October, the land starts to cool faster than the ocean. This creates a high-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent and a low-pressure area over the surrounding seas.
- The direction of wind flow reverses and winds blow from land to sea. These are called northeasterlies. Since these winds pass over the Bay of Bengal before reaching the southeastern coast, they pick up some moisture.
- As they reach Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh and parts of Sri Lanka, they provide abundant moisture for rainfall activity.
- This rain is crucial for regions like Tamil Nadu that do not receive much during the southwest monsoon. It supports rabi crops and replenishes reservoirs in the southern peninsula.
| Read more: Monsoon |
