The Northeast Monsoon is likely to strike over the southern peninsula in a network of two to three days

Rainfall in Tamil Nadu is likely to increase gradually from Wednesday (October 14, 2026). | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

The Northeast Monsoon, which accounts for the major share of Tamil Nadu’s annual rainfall, is likely to set over the southern peninsula in the next two to three days. It will coincide with the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from the rest of the country, the Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) said.

Rainfall in Tamil Nadu is expected to gradually increase from Wednesday and cover many weather stations, with fairly widespread rain from Thursday. As in the past, this year is also trending toward the simultaneous withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon and the onset of the Northeast Monsoon.

Meanwhile, traders at the Koyambedu wholesale market are hopeful that the increase in rainfall will improve vegetable stocks and help stabilize prices within two weeks.

The RMC is keeping a close eye on the weather system which is likely to influence the formation of a low pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. Officials said favorable conditions for the onset of monsoon will depend on the system’s development and path.

Prevailing upper air cyclonic circulation over Gulf of Mannar and adjoining south coast of Tamil Nadu will sustain the current wet season in the state. On Tuesday, Cauvery delta and southern areas including Thanjavur and Kanniyakumari would experience light to moderate rainfall with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph.

Rainfall is expected to spread to northern coastal and inland areas, including Chennai and Dindigul, on Wednesday and intensify in some areas from October 15. Heavy rain may continue till October 18 in various parts of the state.

The state may get relief from above average temperatures after October 15. On Monday, Vellore recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 36.7 degrees Celsius. Chennai has a chance of light to moderate rain at some areas on Tuesday.

The increase in rainfall has raised hopes of a drop in vegetable prices, which have seen a sharp rise in recent weeks. Traders at the Koyambedu wholesale market said the onion price has remained stable at ₹60 per kg in recent days. Tomatoes were selling at ₹30-40 per kg. Some other vegetables like bitter gourd and beans were sold at around ₹60 per kg.

P. Sukumaran, treasurer of the Koyambedu Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Traders Association, said low yields in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have also affected supplies and pushed up prices. A bundle of coriander leaves was sold for ₹50. “Deficit rainfall in neighboring states has led to shortage of supply. We expect improvement in rainfall to help prices decline in the next two weeks,” he said.

Published – 12 October 2026 21:49 IST