New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department has forecast that the wet spell with heavy rainfall is likely to continue over South Peninsular India till October 22, 2026 — while Delhi-NCR finally gets a break from the rain this weekend.
In a press release issued at 12:30 IST on October 16, the IMD said: “The Wet spell with heavy falls is likely to continue over South Peninsular India till 22nd October, 2026.”
Fairly widespread rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, Coastal Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka and Lakshadweep. Isolated to scattered showers are also likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema and Telangana.
Orange alerts have been issued for heavy to very heavy rain in multiple districts across the region. In Tamil Nadu, isolated places could see winds of 40–50 kilometres per hour, gusting to 60 kmph — strong enough to damage weak structures and disrupt power lines.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely on October 21 and 22, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the east-central Arabian Sea and the southwest Bay of Bengal, where sea conditions are expected to remain rough.
The IMD has also flagged a moderate flash-flood risk in some areas, with warnings of waterlogging in low-lying localities. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to stay alert and avoid waterlogged stretches of road.
For the national capital, there is relief in sight. Delhi-NCR will get a break from rain on October 17, with the day expected to remain partly cloudy. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle near 20 degrees Celsius. Conditions are expected to turn mainly clear on Sunday, October 18, and Monday, October 19.
The incoming dry spell follows a wet couple of days for the capital. Delhi’s primary weather station recorded 15.9 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending 8:30 AM on October 16 — the spell that is now moving out of the region.
The contrast captures the classic October weather pattern: the northeast monsoon asserting itself over the southern peninsula even as north India transitions into post-monsoon dryness ahead of winter. People in the affected southern states are advised to track district-level alerts, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours, and steer clear of flooded roads and underpasses.
In the capital, residents can look forward to clearer skies and a welcome dip in humidity after days of damp weather, though temperatures will begin their gradual slide toward winter in the coming weeks.
