 
Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu after a fairly silent period are gearing up for the first active phase of the Northeast Monsoon, which may strike on November 11. The weather has been rather quiet in the state for the past while, but this change promises more rains in the region. Read further to understand the current status, the impact of the rains, and what the people and the authorities might witness in the coming days.
Current Weather Situation in Chennai
Chennai has experienced next to no change in terms of rainfall for the past week. The skies have been overcast, but it hasn’t rained much at all. The weather is calm and it is the usual case during these breaks in between the monsoons. That is going to end as there is a massive shift in the large-scale weather system ahead.
The meteorological departments have issued some forecasts hinting the intensification of weather once the Northeast Monsoon sets in. This active phase, which is expected to run for several weeks, will cause widespread rains in Tamil Nadu. There was an explicit emphasis given on the first spell being important for the entire period.
What to Expect From the Northeast Monsoon?
The northeast monsoon, or the receding monsoon, generally covers the period from October through to December in Tamil Nadu. Throughout these months, northeasterly winds continue carrying moisture to the region, causing heavy rainfall everywhere. This monsoon is vital to Tamil Nadu’s agriculture sector, which bases its farming of crops such as paddy and sugarcane on the rain.
This forecast continues that the intensification of monsoon is going to be witnessed from November 11, when the rains in Chennai would start and go strong in other regions of the state. The first week might show moderate showers, but mid-November would present intense rains.
Impact on Chennai
It is a coastal city, and it’s really sucking all the rain from the Northeast Monsoon. The city is in for a heavy time for the next few weeks, and there are going to be multiple concerns. More rainfall tends to waterlog the city and especially the low-lying areas.
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Rainfall Predictions for Tamil Nadu
There will be rains all over the Tamil Nadu due to monsoon but some places may receive heavy rains than others. Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Thiruvallur coastal districts are likely to witness major rain. South districts, especially those along the Western Ghats, might also face heavy downpours. This time these regions normally receive heavy rainfall as they topographically fall in mountainous area.
Weathermen have also predicted that Chennai will witness some spells of intermittent rains with intensified spells in the latter half of the month.
Preparedness Measures for Chennai and Tamil Nadu
In the wake of increasing rainfalls, everybody needs to prepare themselves. For the last couple of seasons, Chennai city used to experience unseasonal heavy rains that caused waterlogging in many places and had also resulted in traffic issues. In order to reduce such problems several preparedness measures have to be taken:
- Draining the City Stormwater System: The city drainage system should be drained to allow free flow in case heavy rains fall anywhere. A good number of times, flooded regions are resultant of blocked roads, especially in urbanized areas.
Flood management plans: The authorities must enact the flood management plan in case heavy downpour falls in the susceptible areas. There is a total evacuation plan in place in case the water accumulates heavily. - Public Awareness Campaigns: Public should be cautioned that heavy rainfalls are to be expected and they should not go into areas where water has collected. Traffic needs to become stricter, and there will have to be alternative traffic for commuters, especially during heavy rains.
- Weather Alert Monitoring: Reports regarding weather alerts from the meteorological department will continue to alert the public. They will avoid unnecessary traveling if the rainfall is reaching peak levels.
Agricultural Impact of the Northeast Monsoon
The Northeast Monsoon is crucial for the farmers of Tamil Nadu. Paddy crops principally depend on rain. The rain that is going to fall in the next few weeks will be useful for sowing crops. On the flip side, there is also the fear of excessive rainfall, specially in areas prone to floods.
It will be an extremely challenging year for farmers, since they will have to keep an eye over the rain conditions and manage their irrigation systems accordingly, and while it may rain very heavily in some pockets of the state, the concern will be that crops are not waterlogged. Proper drainage systems and flood management systems will be very important to avoid crop damage from the water.
Climate Change and Its Impact on the Monsoon
It climatically is normal in Tamil Nadu, but the present days’ changes in climate alter the weather drastically. From the observations of experts over many years, there have been changes in the pattern of monsoon rains. Where some regions will face fewer but more intense spells and others wet for most part of the season may find dry spells that last on for months.
Such changes in these patterns will, in most instances, have severe implications for agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. So much the more must authorities plan and prepare for extreme weather events whose forecasts are unpredictable.
*Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Coming Months?
Tamil Nadu will now enter into the active phase of the Northeast Monsoon and, at most places, may see rain. The temperature in Tamil Nadu would also be significantly cooler. This is what the people have been longing for, especially since they have had such a dry spell for a long time. Nevertheless, the rain also brings packages of issues, especially in Tamil Nadu’s urban areas like Chennai. Authorities need to be on the boil and proactive enough when handling flooding, traffic dislocations, and other monsoon-related issues.
All the rains are likely to continue until December, in short relief intervals and intensification levels in rainfall. This would go a long way to ease the reservoirs and water table in many parts of the state that had hit critical lows.
Final Thoughts
The onset of November 11th is the beginning of Northeast Monsoon in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. The rain will change the weather patterns, and residents may experience heavy downpour. Agriculture and water systems do well during this time, but such rains pose challenges to urban areas, mainly regarding drainage and flooding. From this point of view, the state can better prepare to deal with the effects by remaining vigilant and taking preventive measures.
It is during these so-called monsoons that one reminds himself of the need for environmental preparedness and climate resilience, especially as times change with the evolution of weather. Click here for the source
