With reference to the Northeast monsoon and rainfall patterns in India, consider the following statements: 1. Coastal Tamil Nadu is expected to receive below-average rainfall from the third week of October. 2. The India Meteorological Department reported a 20% deficit in the Southwest monsoon. 3. North interior districts are expected to see below-average rainfall during the Northeast monsoon. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Northeast monsoon likely normal after 20% Southwest monsoon deficit, IMD Director-General says

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims· 1 October 2026

Monsoon variability and hydrological stress: a key GS3 Environment and Agriculture case study.

Why in news

IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced that the Northeast monsoon is likely to be normal despite a 20% Southwest monsoon deficit.

Background

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a 20% deficit in the Southwest monsoon. While coastal Tamil Nadu expects normal to above-normal rainfall from the third week of October, north interior districts may see below-average rainfall.

Facts for Prelims

FactSouthwest monsoon deficit: 20% as reported by IMD
PlaceCoastal Tamil Nadu: Expected normal to above-normal rainfall from third week of October
PlaceNorth interior districts: Expected below-average rainfall
PostMrutyunjay Mohapatra: Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Northeast monsoon and rainfall patterns in India, consider the following statements:

Coastal Tamil Nadu is expected to receive below-average rainfall from the third week of October.
The India Meteorological Department reported a 20% deficit in the Southwest monsoon.
North interior districts are expected to see below-average rainfall during the Northeast monsoon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Coastal Tamil Nadu expects normal to above-normal rainfall.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the impact of monsoon variability on India's agricultural productivity and the role of IMD in disaster risk reduction.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Hydrological imbalance: Impact of Southwest monsoon deficit on groundwater recharge and reservoir levels
Agricultural risk: Vulnerability of rain-fed crops in north interior districts to below-average rainfall
Predictive accuracy: Challenges in forecasting localized rainfall patterns during monsoon transitions

Keywords: monsoon variability · hydrological cycle · agricultural resilience · meteorological forecasting · climate adaptation

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS1 · Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)Also: GS3 · Cropping patterns & irrigation

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