Synopsis
The Regional Meteorological Centre has announced light to moderate rainfall in certain coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from February 25. This weather change is attributed to a cyclonic circulation over the equatorial region, with temperatures remaining above average.Key Takeaways
- Rainfall Forecast: Light to moderate rainfall expected in coastal areas.
- Temperature Rise: Max temperatures to be 2-3°C above normal.
- La Niña Effect: Early summer due to delayed northeast monsoon.
- Climate Change: Current heatwave linked to larger climate issues.
- Rainfall Statistics: Tamil Nadu saw 14% excess rainfall this season.
Chennai, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted light to moderate rainfall in select areas of South Coastal Tamil Nadu, the Delta districts, Puducherry, and Karaikal for a duration of four days, beginning on February 25.
The Weather Department reports that the rainfall is caused by a cyclonic circulation present over the equatorial region. However, the northern regions of Tamil Nadu are expected to remain dry under this weather system.
On Monday, the RMC forecasts that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal will be 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than average.
A minor decrease in temperatures is expected in the following two days.
On Sunday, maximum temperatures are anticipated to range between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will be around 23 to 24 degrees Celsius.
The sky is likely to be partly cloudy, with potential mist or haze in the mornings. Earlier predictions indicated an early onset of summer this year, with temperatures already rising 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above standard February levels.
The RMC links this early temperature increase to the La Niña effect, which delayed the withdrawal of the northeast monsoon (NEM) and resulted in a milder winter across Tamil Nadu.
A scarcity of cloud cover and diminished moisture in coastal areas have also contributed to elevated temperatures, especially in coastal and interior districts.
Temperatures are projected to remain at or just above normal until February 27. Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu experienced a significant drop in early morning and nighttime temperatures due to changing wind patterns following the monsoon's retreat. Nevertheless, the delayed monsoon withdrawal—attributed to La Niña—has disrupted traditional seasonal patterns.
Despite the ongoing heatwave, long-term forecasts suggest that maximum temperatures will not experience extreme rises this summer.
Experts predict that temperatures will remain stable between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius, aligning with previous years, with no unusual spikes expected in March. However, Prof. Kurian Joseph, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Management at Anna University, warns that the current heatwave is not merely due to weather variations but is also a reflection of climate change.
Light to moderate easterly and northeasterly winds at lower tropospheric levels are anticipated to maintain dry conditions in isolated sections of Tamil Nadu over the next five days.
Notably, Tamil Nadu recorded a 14 percent increase in rainfall during the recent northeast monsoon season, accumulating 447 mm compared to the average of 393 mm. Chennai experienced 845 mm of rainfall, which is 16 percent above average, and Coimbatore saw a 47 percent increase compared to normal levels. As weather patterns shift and climate anomalies impact the area, experts continue to closely observe Tamil Nadu’s climatic situation.
