The northeast monsoon, crucial for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, concluded with a rainfall deficit this year. Official data shows the region received 42.8 cm of rainfall, below the normal average of 44.2 cm, marking a 3% deficit. Despite early forecasts predicting above-normal rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the shortfall.
October started strong with 23 cm of rainfall, 36% above normal. However, the rainfall weakened in the following months. November saw 15 cm against the usual 17 cm, while December recorded only 4.5 cm compared to the average 9 cm. The subdued performance was attributed to the absence of favorable synoptic systems like low-pressure areas and cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal during November and December, crucial for driving northeast monsoon rains.
This year deviates from the trend of above-normal northeast monsoon rainfall over the past five years. Various districts, including Chennai, experienced below-normal rainfall levels. Despite the deficit, water storage levels in reservoirs remain adequate due to inflows during the southwest monsoon and early northeast monsoon phase. The state’s reservoirs currently hold enough water to meet drinking and irrigation needs in the near term, providing relief as the monsoon season concludes.
