The Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday said Northeast monsoon rains had commenced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala [Images] and adjoining areas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, at least a week before its due date.

The announcement by IMD brought in all round cheer, especially among farmers of Tamil Nadu, who have been facing three consecutive years of drought and also those in this water-starved metropolis.

Normally, the Northeast monsoon sets in after October 20.    

The rainfall, heavy to very heavy in various parts of the state, has been active in the last 48 hours due to a low pressure area over South West and adjoining central Bay of Bengal for the last two days, which has now 'moved' and lies over the Southwest Bay of Bengal.

The Northeast monsoon accounted for 60 per cent of the annual rainfall.

IMD, in a special bulletin in Chennai, said rain or thundershowers were likely to occur at most places over Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and at many places over South coastal Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, coastal and South interior Karnataka, a few places over Telangana and North interior Karnataka, during the next 48-hours beginning 8.30 AM on Wednesday.