Chennai, Dec 31 (NationPress) This year's northeast monsoon, an essential rain-producing system for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, has concluded on a rather disappointing note, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The region has reported an overall rainfall deficiency.

Official reports indicate that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry collectively received 42.8 cm of rainfall during the October-December timeframe, which is below the normal average of 44.2 cm, resulting in a deficit of approximately 3 percent. This occurs despite initial forecasts suggesting above-normal rainfall for the season.

The IMD has yet to officially announce the conclusion of the northeast monsoon, suggesting it may persist until the second week of January; however, any precipitation beyond that point will not be factored into the seasonal total.

October had a robust beginning with 23 cm of rainfall, exceeding normal levels by 36 percent. However, rainfall activity significantly declined afterward. November saw a mere 15 cm against the expected 17 cm, while December has recorded only 4.5 cm thus far, compared to the usual 9 cm.

Weather experts have attributed this lackluster performance primarily to the absence of favorable synoptic systems, such as low-pressure areas and cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal during November and December, which are crucial for driving northeast monsoon rains.

After five consecutive years of above-normal northeast monsoon rainfall, this year's scenario marks a significant change. Many districts, including Chennai, Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Karur, Krishnagiri, Perambalur, Salem, Theni, Tiruppur, and Tiruchirappalli, have experienced rainfall below normal levels.

Puducherry also faced a seasonal deficit; however, some districts reported surplus rainfall. Virudhunagar, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi received rainfall above the seasonal average.

Despite the shortfall, officials report that water storage levels remain satisfactory, owing to sufficient inflows during both the southwest monsoon and the early phase of the northeast monsoon. Reservoirs throughout the state currently have enough water to cater to immediate drinking and irrigation needs, providing relief as the monsoon season comes to a close.