Tamil Nadu northeast monsoon rainfall has reached 22 cm between October 1 and November 1, standing 18% above the normal 19 cm for the period, according to Chennai weather centre director Durai. The forecast also indicates a possibility of moderate to heavy rain across Tamil Nadu after November 7.
Durai told reporters that the northeast monsoon had produced 22 cm of rainfall in northeast Tamil Nadu during the period. The normal rainfall expected for the same window is 19 cm, putting the recorded total 18% above average.
He said November typically receives higher northeast monsoon rainfall. Rainfall can rise above normal when a cyclone forms, he added.
Tamil Nadu is expected to receive moderate to heavy rain after November 7, according to the forecast. The possibility of moderate to heavy rain is expected to be higher in the southern coastal districts, Durai said.
The weather official also said a cyclone could form after November 15. He said cyclones that develop during November and December move towards Tamil Nadu, while cyclones formed in October generally travel northwards towards Andhra Pradesh.
The forecast places the coming weeks within the most active part of the northeast monsoon season for Tamil Nadu. The weather centre’s assessment links any further increase in rainfall to the possible formation and movement of cyclonic systems. The next significant period highlighted by the official is after November 7, when moderate to heavy rain is expected in parts of the state, followed by the possibility of cyclone formation after November 15.
