Northeast Monsoon Set To Withdraw From Tamil Nadu On Jan 15, Registers 33% Excess Rainfall

In Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli ranked as the wettest district with a staggering 100% increase in rainfall and Chennai too profited from the rains with fifth straight year of above-average precipitation.

The state witnessed surplus rainfall during both the northeast and southwest monsoons with 33% and 18% excess rainfall respectively.

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Tamil Nadu received excess rainfall in the northeast monsoon which set on October 1, 2024. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon is likely to formally withdraw from the state on January 15, following a significant increase in rainfall over prior years.

In 2024, between October and December, Tamil Nadu received 590 mm of rainfall recording a 33% surplus. Last year, the state received a total of 1,179 mm of rain with no district reporting a deficiency, as per a report on IANS. Tirunelveli ranked as the wettest district with a staggering 100% increase in rainfall. Chennai, too, profited from the rains, with the fifth straight year of above-average precipitation.

Addressing the reporters, S. Balachandran, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, as per the report, attributed the excess rainfall to the active easterly winds over the state in 2024. Despite fewer cyclones—only four compared to six in the previous year—low-pressure systems and depressions over the sea significantly contributed to the heavy rains.

The state witnessed surplus rainfall during both the northeast and southwest monsoons with 33% and 18% excess rainfall respectively. This led to an overall increase of 28% in annual rainfall making 2024 the 15th wettest year for Tamil Nadu since 1871.

The favourable weather conditions have provided much-needed relief to the state ensuring water security and agricultural productivity. Chennai’s consistent pattern of excess rainfall highlights the capital's resilience against changing climatic patterns, offering a hopeful outlook for future monsoon seasons.

On the weather prediction for New year on January 1, Regional Meteorological Centre said, "Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Tamilnadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area. Mist/Haze is likely to prevail during early morning hours at isolated places."

In Chennai, IMD said that light rain might occur in some areas and mist was likely to prevail during early morning hours.