Heavy Rain Likely in Southern States

Tiruanantpuram: Southern agricultural states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next two to three days after facing a significant monsoon deficit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain activity from September 30 in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, western interior Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe, likely continuing for the next three to four days.

The southwest monsoon has shifted towards other regions after delivering intense rainfall in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, fresh weather developments have started over the Bay of Bengal, with the northeast monsoon season set to begin officially from October 1.

The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to withdraw from the country by October 15, though heavy rainfall may occur in several states during the transition period. The upcoming rains are expected to benefit major kharif crops and spice crops such as black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, and red chilli. Paddy, urad, and cotton crops are also likely to receive relief from the rainfall.