New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Conditions are favourable for the onset of the northeast monsoon rains over the southern peninsula in the next two-three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
In its daily forecast, the IMD also said the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw from remaining parts of the country.
It further said that due to the northeast monsoon's arrival, a prolonged wet spell is likely over the southern peninsula during the subsequent five-six days.
"Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Kerala and Mahe, coastal and south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, and coastal Andhra Pradesh during 15-18 October," said the IMD.
"North interior Karnataka is likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall on October 17 and 18, while Rayalaseema may experience similar conditions on October 15 and 16," the weather department added.
There are two notable types of monsoon in India. First is the southwest monsoon, which occurs from June to September. It hits Kerala on the southwestern coast around June, and then proceeds across the country.
The southwest monsoon is the primary monsoon affecting India. It not only brings respite from the heat but also contributes to the country's ecosystem and economy, especially the growing of kharif crops.
The second type is the northeast monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, which occurs from October to December and affects peninsular India. It is not as intense as the southwest monsoon but is crucial for the growth of rabi crops.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.