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Hans India
3 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
TN sees fewer heatwave days, higher rainfall this summer: Regional MeT Centre
Chennai: Tamil Nadu is witnessing a notably different summer this year, with fewer heatwave days and significantly higher rainfall compared to the usual seasonal trends, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai. B. Amudha, Head of RMC Chennai, stated that the number of heatwave days -- defined as days when temperatures exceed 41 degrees Celsius -- has declined across the state compared to the past five years. At the same time, the state has received far more rainfall than usual during the ongoing monsoon season. As per RMC data, Vellore reported the highest number of heatwave days this summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on 16 days. Karur Paramathi followed closely, recording high temperatures on 10 days. Erode registered the highest temperature of the season -- 41.2 degrees Celsius -- on May 15. In contrast, other districts such as Vellore and Madurai recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees only on one or two days. In Chennai, the mercury touched 40 degrees just once throughout the summer. However, rainfall in Chennai has been remarkably high. The city received 129 per cent more rainfall than the average, recording 12 cm of rain this summer. Across Tamil Nadu, the state recorded 25 cm of rainfall against the normal 13 cm -- an increase of 97 per cent compared to seasonal norms. Amudha added that the long-period average (LPA) -- a climatological benchmark measuring average rainfall over a specific time period -- is also expected to rise this year. The LPA for Tamil Nadu may reach up to 110 per cent, while the national average is expected to be around 106 per cent, according to the forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the promising rainfall trend, the RMC has cautioned that some northern interior districts may experience a dip in rainfall during June. In other regions, rainfall is expected to be normal or above normal. Chennai, meanwhile, can expect light to moderate showers over the next few days, added Amudha. The shift in weather patterns highlights the dynamic nature of climate conditions and the importance of continuous monitoring and forecasting to ensure preparedness and resource management across the state.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
After a soaking May, IMD predicts slowdown in rain activity for a week
After recording a 97% surplus in summer rainfall, Tamil Nadu is now expected to see a slowdown in rain activity for a week, particularly in the Western Ghats region. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast that there will be a drop in rainfall activity across the State till June 6. It will be restricted to isolated places after an eventful May, marked by exceptional rainfall and a dip in daytime temperatures. With no significant weather system over the Bay of Bengal, Chennai too may begin to experience a mild increase in maximum temperature from Sunday, officials said. In its long-range forecast for Southwest monsoon, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that most parts of the State will continue to experience normal or above normal rainfall in June. However, north interior Tamil Nadu is likely to receive only below average rainfall in June. Noting that the IMD has provided subdivision-wise monsoon forecast maps for the first time, B. Amudha, Head (Additional in-charge), RMC, Chennai, said there was a probability for surplus rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the monsoon. The weather models have predicted that the region may receive 36 cm, against its seasonal average of 33 cm, she said. The early onset of monsoon has brought in torrential downpour in the Western Ghats region., with places such as Avalanche (the Nilgiris district) and Chinnakallar (Coimbatore district) receiving 141 cm and 101 cm of rainfall spread over eight days since May 23, she added. Summer was relatively mild in many parts of the State this year, with only eight of 30 weather stations seeing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Erode recorded the season's highest day temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius on May 15. Vellore recorded 16 hot days this summer, Ms. Amudha said. Meteorologists said Chennai experienced one of its mildest summers this year, with a cooler May and excess summer rainfall. P. Senthamarai Kannan, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, RMC, Chennai, said the city did not record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius this summer. In the past 45 years, this is the eighth year that Chennai has had a mild summer with no hot days. Some of the previous years when the city experienced subdued heat include 2022, 2018, 1995 and 1987. Chennai did not witness a spike in temperatures due to back-to-back rainfall episodes during peak summer days and early onset of the Southwest Monsoon. This year, maximum temperatures stayed below normal during 39% of the days in May, said Mr. Kannan.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
110% more than average rainfall took sting out of summer in city
Chennai: The city received 9.2 cm of rain this March, April, and May — 110% more than the average summer rainfall of 4.4 cm — said regional meteorological centre director B Amudha, while formally announcing the onset of the southwest monsoon on Saturday. Southwest monsoon has reached Kerala at least a week ahead of usual June 1. The last time Kerala had an early southwest monsoon onset was on May 23 in 2009. A red alert has been issued for Coimbatore and The Nilgiris on Sunday and Monday as isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places is likely to occur over Nilgiris and Ghat areas of Coimbatore districts. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Theni, Tenkasi, and Ghat areas of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea till May 28 as the sea is anticipated to be rough. Chennai will witness overcast skies and thunderstorms in isolated places on Sunday and Monday, she added. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 35 to 36 degrees Celsius. Across the state, the departure was 92% from average rainfall of 11 cm to 21 cm this year, she said. On Friday, Nungambakkam recorded rainfall of 0.69 mm, while Meenambakkam recorded 3 cm of rainfall, and areas such as Madipakkam and Medavakkam received up to 5 cm , said Amudha. Maximum rainfall of 11 cm was recorded in Avalanche in Nilgiris. The depression over Arabian Sea was expected to cross on Saturday, and a new depression is likely to form over Bay of Bengal on May 27.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Weather dept predicts heavy rainfall in TN from tomorrow
Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast an increase in rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu starting May 14, with heavy showers expected to lash districts along the Western Ghats and interior regions for three consecutive days. Until then, however, parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will continue to endure intense heat. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover two to three degrees Celsius above normal, particularly in pockets such as Chennai, where high humidity may add to discomfort. A marginal dip in temperature is anticipated from Wednesday onwards. On Monday, Madurai airport recorded the highest maximum temperature in the State at 41 degrees Celsius. Erode and Karur Paramathi also crossed the 40 degrees C mark, reflecting the prevailing heatwave conditions across several districts. The RMC attributed the upcoming rainfall to pre-monsoon developments in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. B. Amudha, Head (Additional In-Charge) of RMC Chennai, said cloud formation is likely to intensify over the south Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, south Bay of Bengal, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands -- potentially triggering rainfall over parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Dynamic weather models indicate that districts along the Western Ghats -- including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Erode, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai -- are likely to receive heavy rainfall on May 14. Showers may continue in isolated areas, especially in Tirupattur and Krishnagiri, through Thursday and Friday. The RMC has predicted scattered rainfall across the State till May 18, with occasional thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in some regions. The approaching Southwest Monsoon, expected to hit Kerala around May 27, could further enhance rainfall activity in Tamil Nadu. Both clouding branches -- over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal -- will be closely monitored for signs of monsoon progression, Amudha added.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Trough to influence showers over parts of T.N. on Friday; mercury level set to gradually rise from May 10
A north-south trough is likely to bring isolated rainfall and help keep temperatures largely in the normal range across Tamil Nadu on Friday. Day temperature in Tamil Nadu is expected to gradually rise from May 10. The Southwest monsoon, which is expected to advance into south Andaman sea and southeast Bay of Bengal by May 13, may not have a direct impact over the State as of now, said officials of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai. Recurring thunderstorms, since early this month, have spared many parts of the State from a sharp rise in mercury level, which is typical during peak summer. The RMC has forecast that the maximum temperature may increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius from May 10 in a few pockets of the State. There is a possibility of slightly enhanced rainfall in a few places in the State between May 12 and May 14. The prevailing trough may trigger thunderstorms in one or two places over the State, including Chennai, with gusty winds on Friday. On Thursday too, the maximum temperature was close to normal or below-normal in most places. Erode recorded the day's hottest temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius in the State. Chennai's Nungambakkam was among the places that recorded below average temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius. Some places like Vellore and Mamallapuram received light rainfall. B. Amudha, Head (additional in-charge), RMC, said the wind discontinuity, a weather phenomenon that is usual during April and May, influenced rainfall and drop in maximum temperature. The onset of Southwest monsoon occurs through two branches — the Arabian sea that strikes Kerala coast and the Bay of Bengal. The department monitored the cloud band movement and possibility of advancement of monsoon. Temperature may dip and rainfall may increase in parts of Tamil Nadu during the onset phase in Kerala, she said. Last year too, the Southwest monsoon had advanced into the Bay of Bengal branch around May 19-21 against its normal onset date of May 26, Ms. Amudha added. Y.E.A. Raj, former deputy director general of meteorology, Chennai, said the extended range prediction does not indicate early monsoon arrival over Kerala. There have been occasions in the past when heat had subsided over Tamil Nadu during early onset of Southwest monsoon by May last week. The multi-model ensemble rainfall anomaly forecast indicated rainfall activity over Arabian sea between May 26 and June 1. The day temperature is likely to be below-normal over most parts of Tamil Nadu this month, he said.
