Why is Tamil Nadu experiencing fewer heatwaves and more rainfall this summer?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fewer heatwave days reported across Tamil Nadu this summer.
- Significant increase in rainfall—25 cm compared to the normal 13 cm.
- Chennai received 129 percent more rainfall than average.
- Potential decline in rainfall expected in some northern districts.
- Importance of ongoing climate monitoring emphasized by experts.
Chennai, June 1 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is experiencing an unusually cool summer this year, marked by a reduction in heatwave days and a remarkable increase in rainfall compared to typical seasonal patterns, as stated by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai.
B. Amudha, the Head of RMC Chennai, noted that the incidence of heatwave days—characterized as days where temperatures soar above 41 degrees Celsius—has diminished throughout the state in comparison to the previous five years.
Simultaneously, the state has witnessed a substantial uptick in rainfall during the current monsoon season.
According to RMC statistics, Vellore has recorded the highest number of heatwave days this summer, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius on 16 occasions.
Karur Paramathi closely followed, experiencing elevated temperatures on 10 days. Erode hit the peak temperature of the season at 41.2 degrees Celsius on May 15.
In contrast, other districts like Vellore and Madurai noted maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees only on one or two instances.
In Chennai, the temperature hit 40 degrees just once this summer. However, rainfall levels in Chennai have been exceptionally high, with the city receiving 129 percent more than the average, totaling 12 cm of rain this summer.
Across Tamil Nadu, the state registered 25 cm of rainfall against the typical 13 cm, marking a 97 percent rise compared to seasonal averages.
Amudha also mentioned that the long-period average (LPA)—a climatological standard measuring average rainfall over a defined timeframe—is anticipated to increase this year.
The LPA for Tamil Nadu might reach up to 110 percent, while the national average is projected to hover around 106 percent, based on forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Despite this favorable rainfall pattern, the RMC has warned that some northern interior districts may see a decline in rainfall during June. Meanwhile, other areas are expected to receive normal or above-normal precipitation.
Chennai can anticipate light to moderate showers in the coming days, added Amudha.
This shift in weather dynamics underscores the ever-changing nature of climate conditions and the need for ongoing monitoring and forecasting to ensure preparedness and effective resource management across the state.