Low-Pressure Area Moves Away; Tamil Nadu to Witness Limited Rainfall
The Northeast Monsoon, which commenced earlier than usual this year, has brought significant rainfall to Tamil Nadu. However, the rain is expected to reduce significantly, with only a few places experiencing isolated showers in the coming days.
Starting Friday, rainfall will recede across most parts of the State as the well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is projected to move northwards along the Andhra Pradesh coast. This trend is likely to persist until December 25, leaving much of Tamil Nadu relatively dry.
Misty Mornings and Cooler Days Ahead
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, northern districts of Tamil Nadu will experience misty mornings for the next few days.
P. Senthamarai Kannan, Director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai, stated that the chances of a new weather system forming next week are slim. However, regions in north Tamil Nadu, including interior districts, might experience a dip in daytime temperatures for a brief period.
The current weather system, moving along the Andhra Pradesh coast, will draw in cold air from northern India, contributing to lower temperatures and the formation of mist over northern parts of the State during early mornings.
Temperature and Rainfall Updates
On Thursday, Chennai recorded a noticeable dip in day temperatures, with Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam registering 27.2°C and 28.6°C, respectively. Light rainfall is expected in Chennai on Friday, with maximum temperatures predicted to hover around 27-28°C.
In the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, north coastal regions of Tamil Nadu received moderate to heavy rainfall. Chennai’s Basin Bridge and Kathivakkam areas recorded the highest rainfall in the State, with 7 cm, while mild showers persisted in the city and neighboring districts till Thursday evening.
Monsoon Performance in Tamil Nadu
This year’s Northeast Monsoon has surpassed expectations, delivering 56.4 cm of rainfall since October 1, against the seasonal average of 42 cm. Both weather stations in Chennai — Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam — have recorded above-average rainfall.
- Nungambakkam: Received over 102 cm, an excess of 22 cm since October 1.
- Meenambakkam: Recorded 99 cm, 19 cm above the seasonal norm.
While the Northeast Monsoon has, in some years, extended into the first week of January, the RMC considers December 31 as its official conclusion.
For now, Tamil Nadu can expect cooler mornings and sporadic rainfall as the State transitions into a drier spell, marking the retreat of the monsoon season.
