Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Dec 31: The northeast monsoon, a vital source of rainfall for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, has concluded on a muted note this year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting an overall shortfall across the region.

Official figures show that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry together received 42.8 cm of rainfall during the October to December period, slightly below the normal average of 44.2 cm, reflecting a deficit of around 3 per cent. This outcome contrasts with early seasonal forecasts that had indicated the likelihood of above-normal rainfall.

While the IMD is yet to formally announce the withdrawal of the northeast monsoon, officials said it could extend into the second week of January. However, any rainfall after that window will not be included in the seasonal assessment.

The season began on a strong footing in October, which recorded 23 cm of rainfall—about 36 per cent higher than normal. Rainfall activity declined sharply thereafter. November saw 15 cm of rain against a normal of 17 cm, while December has so far logged just 4.5 cm, nearly half of the usual 9 cm.

Meteorologists attributed the weaker performance mainly to the lack of favourable weather systems over the Bay of Bengal during November and December. The absence of low-pressure areas and cyclonic circulations, which typically drive northeast monsoon rains, significantly reduced rainfall activity during the latter part of the season.

This year marks a break from the trend of the past five years, all of which saw above-normal northeast monsoon rainfall. Several districts, including Chennai, Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Karur, Krishnagiri, Perambalur, Salem, Theni, Tiruppur and Tiruchirappalli, reported below-normal rainfall.

Puducherry also ended the season with a deficit. However, a few districts bucked the trend, with Virudhunagar, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi recording rainfall above the seasonal average.

Despite the overall shortfall, officials said water storage levels across the state remain satisfactory. Adequate inflows during the southwest monsoon and the early phase of the northeast monsoon have ensured that reservoirs hold sufficient water to meet immediate drinking water and irrigation needs, providing reassurance as the monsoon season draws to a close.