Delhi-NCR is expected to remain largely dry through October 25, with daytime temperatures reaching 31–33°C. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, alongside alerts for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Delhi Weather: Clear Skies and Rising Daytime Temperatures

Delhi is likely to experience predominantly dry weather over the coming days, with daytime temperatures expected to rise gradually even as mornings remain relatively mild. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies for the national capital on Tuesday, October 20, with the maximum temperature likely to remain between 31°C and 33°C.

At Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, the minimum temperature was recorded at 17.1°C on Tuesday, while the maximum temperature stood at 31.7°C. No rainfall was recorded during the observation period.

Afternoon winds are expected to reach speeds of 20–25 kmph, potentially providing some relief from the daytime warmth. However, the overall weather pattern indicates a transition towards warmer afternoons and continued dry conditions.

The IMD’s Delhi-NCR outlook suggests that the dry spell could continue through October 25. Partly cloudy skies are possible on October 24 and 25, although significant rainfall is not currently indicated in the forecast provided.

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Southern States

While northern India is expected to remain largely dry, the weather outlook is markedly different across parts of southern India. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 20.

Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to experience another spell of widespread rain.

These conditions could lead to localised waterlogging, reduced visibility and temporary disruption to road transport in affected areas. Heavy downpours may also affect outdoor activities, agricultural operations and coastal movement.

Residents in areas covered by the alerts should monitor official weather bulletins and follow local administration advisories, particularly where intense rainfall could affect low-lying areas.

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected in Several Regions

The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across several parts of the country.

Areas of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Telangana, Konkan and Goa are among the regions where thunderstorms and strong winds are expected. Wind speeds could reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts of up to 60 kmph in some locations.

Such conditions can pose risks to people outdoors, two-wheeler riders and temporary structures. Lightning can also create hazards for farmers working in open fields and people near exposed areas.

Localised weather conditions may vary considerably, so residents should rely on updated forecasts and warnings issued for their specific districts.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Face Extended Rainfall Spell

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall between October 20 and 25, according to the IMD forecast.

Heavy rain is possible at isolated locations on October 20, with another period of heavy rainfall indicated during October 23–25.

The extended spell could affect ferry services, inter-island travel and other outdoor activities, depending on the intensity of rainfall and prevailing sea conditions. Travellers should check local transport advisories before planning journeys.

The forecast also highlights the importance of monitoring coastal weather systems during the seasonal transition, when changing wind patterns can influence rainfall distribution across the Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions.

Why Is Southern India Receiving Rain After the Monsoon Withdrawal?

The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon does not mark the end of rainfall across India. Instead, it signals a seasonal transition during which different atmospheric conditions begin to influence rainfall patterns across the country.

According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon withdrew from the entire country on October 15, 2026, around its normal date. The onset of northeast monsoon rainfall over parts of southern India coincided with this withdrawal.

During the northeast monsoon season, generally extending from October to December, changing wind patterns bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal towards the southeastern coast. This supports rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Kerala and parts of Karnataka.

Tamil Nadu is particularly dependent on this seasonal rainfall. The northeast monsoon accounts for approximately 48 per cent of the state's annual rainfall, according to the IMD.

Consequently, rainfall during this period is important for agricultural activity, reservoir replenishment and local water availability. However, excessive rainfall over short periods can also increase the risk of flooding and waterlogging.

Why Northern India Is Turning Drier

The weather pattern across northern and northwestern India is different from that affecting the southern peninsula.

The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon generally reduces widespread rainfall across northern India, allowing clearer skies and drier conditions to become more common. Temperatures can still remain high during the day, particularly when sunshine is strong, even as early mornings become cooler.

Delhi's current forecast reflects this seasonal transition, with mild minimum temperatures, warmer afternoons and little indication of rain over the coming days.

However, monsoon withdrawal does not rule out future rainfall. Western disturbances and other weather systems can still bring rain to northern India later in the season.

What the Weather Outlook Means for Agriculture and Travel

The contrasting weather patterns could have different implications for economic activity across the country.

In southern India, northeast monsoon rainfall is important for agricultural operations, water storage and replenishing reservoirs. Adequate and well-distributed rainfall can support crops and improve water availability, while prolonged dry spells or excessive downpours can create challenges for farmers.

Heavy rainfall may also disrupt transport, affect local supply chains and delay construction or outdoor commercial activities in the affected regions. Coastal travel and ferry operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be particularly sensitive to changing weather and sea conditions.

In Delhi and other parts of northern India, continued dry weather should reduce the likelihood of rain-related disruption in the near term. However, rising daytime temperatures may increase heat discomfort during afternoon hours.

For businesses and households, the key consideration is the regional nature of the forecast: dry conditions in one part of the country can coincide with significant rainfall risks elsewhere.

Weather Outlook: Dry Delhi, Rainy Southern Peninsula

India is entering a period of contrasting regional weather conditions. Delhi is expected to remain dry through October 25, with daytime temperatures reaching 31–33°C, while parts of southern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face heavy rainfall risks.

The immediate focus will be on the intensity and distribution of northeast monsoon rainfall, particularly across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may also experience repeated spells of widespread rain during the week.

For northern India, the main trend is likely to be continued dry weather and warmer afternoons, although local changes remain possible. Across the south, rainfall could support seasonal water requirements but may also cause localised disruption where downpours are intense.

Residents, farmers and travellers should continue to follow updated IMD forecasts and district-level advisories as weather conditions evolve.