According to S. Balachandran, the Director of the Southern Regional Meteorological Centre, the Northeast monsoon for this year is anticipated to start in the third week of October. He stated that the northern regions of Tamil Nadu might experience more rainfall than usual, while southern districts could see below-normal precipitation.
In Chennai, this year has witnessed a significant increase in Southwest monsoon rainfall, with a rise of 43% compared to last year when the rainfall was 74% higher during the same period.
The Northeast monsoon affects several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Balachandran noted that the rainfall predictions indicate a complex scenario: 17 districts in Tamil Nadu received above-normal rainfall, while 16 districts recorded normal levels, and six districts experienced below-normal rainfall.
These forecasts underline the changing weather patterns and the necessity for preparedness, especially in agriculture and water resource management, as the Northeast monsoon approaches. The anticipated rainfall variations across different regions may have significant implications for local communities and agricultural practices.