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Key Points

Tamil Nadu is bracing for an early southwest monsoon, potentially arriving by May 13th, offering relief from intense heat. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts moderate thunderstorms and showers across several districts, signaling a promising weather transition. Recent meteorological data shows the state experienced 14% excess rainfall during the previous northeast monsoon, indicating favorable precipitation patterns. These forecasts come after the devastating impact of Cyclone Fengal, which underscores the region's complex weather dynamics.

Key Points: Early Monsoon Promises Relief for Heat-Struck Tamil Nadu

  • Early monsoon expected 10 days ahead of typical schedule
  • Thunderstorms forecast across multiple Tamil Nadu districts
  • Recent northeast monsoon showed 14% excess rainfall
2 min read

Tamil Nadu set for early southwest monsoon amid scorching heat

Tamil Nadu set for pre-schedule southwest monsoon with thunderstorms, offering respite from scorching temperatures and potential agricultural benefits.

"Current models suggest a favorable monsoon onset around May 13 - Regional Meteorological Centre"

Chennai, May 6

Tamil Nadu is preparing for the early onset of the southwest monsoon, expected nearly 10 days ahead of schedule this year, as per the Met office.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), favourable conditions over the South Andaman Sea, the southeastern Bay of Bengal, and parts of the Nicobar Islands indicate that the southwest monsoon could begin around May 13 - well ahead of the usual June arrival.

This early onset is expected to bring relief from the intense heat gripping the state.

The RMC has also forecast moderate thunderstorms and showers over parts of Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts in the coming days.

On Sunday, Chennai and its suburbs experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Areas such as Egmore, Perambur, Nungambakkam, Meenambakkam, Triplicane, Tondiarpet, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Velachery, Ambattur, and Avadi reported moderate to heavy showers.

The Nungambakkam weather station recorded 11 mm of rain, while Meenambakkam registered 8 mm.

The Weather Department attributed the current conditions to a north-south trough extending from a cyclonic circulation over northern Gangetic West Bengal down to north coastal Andhra Pradesh, passing through coastal Odisha at about 0.9 km above mean sea level. For the next two days, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) is expected across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heavy rain is also likely in some southern and delta districts, including Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, where isolated areas may see significant downpours.

Meteorologists noted that current models suggest the system may move towards Odisha and West Bengal, drawing winds from inland areas.

Tamil Nadu recently recorded 14 per cent excess rainfall during the northeast monsoon, with 447 mm of rain against an average of 393 mm. Chennai registered 845 mm - 16 per cent above normal - while Coimbatore saw a 47 per cent surplus.

These forecasts come in the wake of Cyclone Fengal, which struck Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 29 and December 1, bringing torrential rains. The cyclone claimed 12 lives, inundated 2.11 lakh hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, and affected 69 lakh families, impacting nearly 1.5 crore people. In response, the Centre sanctioned an additional Rs 522.34 crore in relief for Tamil Nadu and Rs 33.06 crore for Puducherry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some relief from this unbearable heat! 🌧️ But I hope the early monsoon doesn't mean more cyclones later in the year. Last year's Fengal was devastating for our farmers. Government should prepare better flood management plans this time.
P
Priya M.
As a Chennai resident, I'm happy about the rains but worried about waterlogging. Our drainage system still can't handle heavy showers. Corporation should clean stormwater drains urgently before the monsoon hits.
K
Karthik S.
Good news for agriculture but we must be cautious. Early monsoon often means erratic rainfall patterns. Farmers in delta districts should get proper advisories from agriculture department about sowing schedules.
S
Saranya V.
The weather department's predictions have improved a lot in recent years. Last time they accurately warned about Fengal well in advance. Hope they maintain this accuracy for monsoon forecasts too. Kudos to IMD!
M
Manoj T.
While rains are welcome, I'm concerned about power cuts during thunderstorms. TANGEDCO should ensure proper maintenance of electricity infrastructure to avoid prolonged outages in residential areas.
A
Anitha R.
After last year's floods, I hope the government has learned its lesson. Early warning systems and evacuation plans must be in place, especially for coastal districts. Public awareness campaigns would help too.

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