Chennai Weather Shifts as Monsoon Retreats, Cooler Days Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a significant change in weather patterns for Chennai and surrounding regions. According to their latest bulletin, the northeast monsoon is expected to withdraw over the next three days. This development signals a reduction in rain activity and the arrival of cooler conditions.
Favorable Conditions for Monsoon Cessation
IMD officials stated that conditions are becoming favorable for the cessation of northeast monsoon rains. This change will impact several areas including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe. Adjoining regions like coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and south interior Karnataka will also experience this shift.
The withdrawal process marks the end of the rainy season for these parts of India. Residents can anticipate a gradual transition to drier and slightly cooler weather in the coming days.
Temperature Trends and Weather Outlook
While Chennai may continue to experience misty mornings, night temperatures across Tamil Nadu are likely to dip slightly over the next two days. The IMD bulletin provided specific details for Wednesday's forecast.
"On Wednesday, the city and its suburbs may experience mist or haze during the early morning hours," the bulletin noted. "Temperatures may range between a maximum of around 30°C and a minimum of 22-23°C, with the sky remaining partly cloudy."
This represents a noticeable change from recent conditions. After several cloudy days, sunshine returned on Tuesday, pushing daytime temperatures slightly above normal levels.
Recent Weather Observations
Weather stations in Chennai recorded interesting temperature variations on Tuesday. Nungambakkam registered a maximum temperature of 29.8°C, which was about 0.3°C above normal. Meanwhile, Meenambakkam logged 31.4°C, approximately 1.7°C above normal.
However, cloudy conditions before sunrise kept night temperatures elevated. Minimum temperatures reached 24.5°C at Nungambakkam and 23.8°C at Meenambakkam. These readings were 3.4°C and 3.2°C above normal, respectively.
Rainfall Statistics and Expert Commentary
Since January 1st, Chennai has recorded 22.8mm of rainfall, about 64% above normal. This total included 32mm at Nungambakkam, representing an excess of around 20.6mm. Meenambakkam recorded 8.9mm, showing a deficit of about 8.4mm.
Tamil Nadu as a whole recorded 22.1mm during this period, nearly 197% above normal. Weather blogger Pradeep John commented on the changing pattern.
"Today will be the last day for rainfall in south and west Tamil Nadu," John said. "We will go into a break from the monsoon activity."
This break period typically brings more stable weather conditions with reduced precipitation and moderate temperatures. Residents should prepare for the transition by adjusting their daily routines accordingly.
The withdrawal of the northeast monsoon represents a seasonal shift that affects agriculture, water resources, and daily life across the region. Authorities recommend staying updated with local weather forecasts as conditions evolve.
