IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Rainfall for Chennai and Tiruvallur in September

The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures for Chennai and parts of neighbouring Tiruvallur district for the month of September. The monthly outlook was released by the meteorological agency on Monday.

While Chennai and adjacent districts were expected to receive light to moderate rain between Sept. 1 and Sept. 3, overall rainfall distribution across the rest of the month is likely to vary. Chennai and parts of Tiruvallur—which houses the city's key drinking-water reservoirs—are projected to receive relatively less rainfall, whereas Kancheepuram and Chengelpet are expected to receive a larger share.

According to the IMD, most parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to see below-normal rainfall alongside higher-than-average temperatures throughout the month.

"South peninsular India, which has received less rainfall so far, will continue to receive less rainfall. Isolated areas of southeast peninsular India are among some areas in the country likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the IMD.

Chennai typically records an average of 146.2 mm of rainfall in September, with average maximum and minimum temperatures hovering at 34.3 degrees Celsius and 25.8 degrees Celsius respectively.

During the southwest monsoon period from June 1 to Aug. 31, Chennai logged 311 mm of rainfall, which stood 2 percent above normal levels. However, surrounding districts experienced notable deficits during the same three-month window. Chengelpet recorded 109.7 mm, reflecting a 60 percent deficit; Kancheepuram logged 208 mm, 34 percent below normal; and Tiruvallur received 231.2 mm, finishing 27 percent below its seasonal average.

For Tuesday, the weather department forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across the city and its suburbs during the evening and night hours.