EnvironmentFriday, 16 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Northeast monsoon onset in Tamil Nadu: RMC alert, rainfall outlook and preparedness in October 2026
The RMC Chennai declared the Northeast monsoon onset in Tamil Nadu on October 16, 2026, five days early, with orange alerts for six districts and heavy rain warnings.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai declared the onset of the Northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu five days ahead of the normal date, while issuing an orange alert for six districts including the Nilgiris and Madurai.
Key specifics
- The onset was declared on October 16, 2026, after the Southwest monsoon withdrew from Tamil Nadu.
- The RMC forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall up to 20 cm on Friday for six districts.
- The Southwest monsoon ended with a 20% rainfall deficit in Tamil Nadu, according to RMC officials.
- Weather experts said the Northeast monsoon could bring normal rainfall, with the Delta and southern regions likely to receive above-normal rain.
- Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan said nearly 98% of monsoon preparedness works had been completed.
Exam lens
Question type: environment-current affairs and Tamil Nadu disaster management, key facts: RMC Chennai, October 16, 2026, orange alert, 20 cm rainfall, 98% preparedness. TNPSC one-liner: “Which agency declared the Northeast monsoon onset in Tamil Nadu in October 2026, and what rainfall alert was issued for six districts?”