Northeast Monsoon To Hit TN On October 17, Normal To Above-Average Rain Likely In Northern Parts: IMD

Tamil Nadu usually receives around 44 cm of rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon, which lasts from October to December.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon in the third week of October with rains expected to start around October 17. The IMD predict that northern districts of Tamil Nadu will experience normal or above-average rainfall this season.

However, the southern districts may see a rainfall deficit compared to the central and northern regions. The central part of Tamil Nadu is expected to receive abundant rainfall, as per a report on News18. The IMD also projected above-normal rainfall for the southern peninsular region, which includes Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, during this year's monsoon.

Tamil Nadu usually receives around 44 cm of rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon, which lasts from October through December. The IMD highlighted the possible influence of La Niña, a weather phenomenon known to bring surplus rainfall, reported DT Next. Historical data shows that Tamil Nadu experienced surplus rainfall 69% of the time during La Niña events, with 42 occurrences between 1940 and 2021.

With La Niña's impact, there is a strong possibility of the state receiving normal or surplus rainfall during this monsoon season.

While the monsoon typically begins around October 20, it can vary by up to nine days.

IMD said: "Under the influence of yesterday’s upper air cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea, a low pressure area has formed over Lakshadweep and adjoining Southeast & eastcentral Arabian Sea. The associated cyclonic circulation extends upto 5.8 km above mean sea level. It is likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over central Arabian Sea during subsequent 3-4 days."

On Wednesday, IMD predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places over Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Vellore, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Dindigul, Madurai and Theni districts. In Chennai, IMD predicted that the sky condition would be partly cloudy with light to moderate rain coupled with thunderstorm and lightning in some areas.