Chennai Faces Dry Weather in September, IMD Predicts Below-Normal Rainfall

Strategic Insights -

The city of Chennai may experience pleasant days in September as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall and day temperatures in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, south-coastal Andhra Pradesh, and south interior Karnataka are expected to receive below-normal rainfall for the month. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall for Chennai and its suburbs in the next two days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall and day temperatures in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, for the month of September.
  • Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, south-coastal Andhra Pradesh, and south interior Karnataka are expected to receive below-normal rainfall for the month.
  • The city of Chennai may experience pleasant days in September as the IMD predicts below-normal day temperatures.
  • The northeast monsoon, which brings rain to Chennai and Tamil Nadu, begins only after the southwest monsoon withdraws, which is expected to happen around September 15.
  • The Nungambakkam observatory recorded 9 cm of rain in August, while the Meenambakkam observatory recorded 16 cm of rainfall, both less than the average rainfall for the month.
  • The rain record in Chennai subdivision has been pushed to 46 cm since June 1, 45% above normal, due to the wet days in June and July.
  • The city receives an average rainfall of 15 cm in September before the northeast monsoon arrives in October, when the average rainfall jumps to 30 cm.

Statistics:

  • Average rainfall in August: 13 cm (Nungambakkam observatory), 16 cm (Meenambakkam observatory)
  • Rainfall since June 1 in Chennai subdivision: 46 cm, 45% above normal
  • Average rainfall in September: 15 cm (before northeast monsoon), 30 cm (during northeast monsoon)
  • Normal rainfall withdrawal date: September 15
  • Average rainfall probability for September: above normal (country-wide)

Sources:

  • "Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, south-coastal Andhra Pradesh and south interior Karnataka will receive below normal rainfall... Otherwise, the remaining parts of the country will have normal or above normal rainfall probability for September." - Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, (Source: Press meet on extended range forecast)
  • "The normal withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is September 15. But the prediction does not show below normal rainfall in the second half of September." - Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, (Source: Press meet on extended range forecast)