CHENNAI: The northeast monsoon failed to reach even normal levels this year, with Chennai and several other districts recording rainfall below the seasonal average, according to official data.
During the northeast monsoon period from October to December, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry received 42.8 cm of rainfall, against the standard of 44.2 cm, resulting in a 3 per cent deficit. Pre-monsoon forecasts of above-normal rain did not materialise.
October recorded 23 cm of rainfall, which was 36 per cent above normal. However, November saw only 15 cm, below the usual 17 cm, while December recorded just 4.5 cm so far, against a normal of 9 cm.
Weather officials attributed the shortfall mainly to the absence of Met Dept has not yet declared the end of the monsoon, indicating it may continue till the second week of January favourable sea-related weather systems in November and December, despite a relatively strong start in October.
After five consecutive years of above-normal northeast monsoon rainfall, this year has recorded a deficit.
However, the India Meteorological Department has not yet declared the end of the monsoon, indicating it may continue till the second week of January, though any rainfall thereafter will not be counted as part of the season.
Officials said adequate storage from the southwest monsoon and the early phase of the northeast monsoon has ensured sufficient water levels in most reservoirs to meet near-term requirements.
Several districts, including Chennai, Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Karur, Krishnagiri, Perambalur, Salem, Theni, Tirupur and Tiruchy, recorded rainfall below normal levels. Puducherry also reported a deficit.
Virudhunagar, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi reported excess.