Tamil Nadu: Southwest monsoon departs normally
Chennai: The 2025 southwest monsoon has ended almost normally in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, although significant variations in rainfall distribution across districts were observed. The state received 325.5 mm of rainfall between June and September, almost equal to its average of 328.4 mm. Chennai recorded 576.5 mm of rainfall, a 29% increase, against the normal of 448.5 mm. However, this has been a decline compared to the previous two years. The state received 354.3 mm of rainfall in 2023 and an even higher 389.2 mm in 2024, an 8% and 18% increase, respectively. In contrast, 2025 saw a slight decrease of 1%. Mayiladuthurai and Tirunelveli recorded “excess” rainfall, particularly Tirunelveli, which received 314.8 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal rainfall of only 92.5 mm. Mayiladuthurai also recorded 75% excess rainfall. Nine other districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry, Ranipet, and Vellore, recorded 20% to 50% more rainfall than normal. Sixteen districts, including Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, and the Nilgiris, received rainfall within normal limits. Eleven districts recorded rainfall deficits, with Dindigul, Karur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchi, and Madurai being the worst affected. Tirupur and Thoothukudi also experienced the largest deficits, ending the season with over 60% less rainfall than normal. Chennai received 576.5 mm of rainfall this season, compared to the normal rainfall of 448.5 mm, a 29% increase. However, this was lower than the previous two years, when the city received 779 mm (+74%) in 2023 and 641.6 mm (+43%) in 2024.
