Chennai: The Northeast monsoon officially withdrew from Tamil Nadu on Monday, January 19, marking the end of the seasonal rainfall period. While cool mornings and below-normal night temperatures are expected to continue for the next two days, a new weather system brewing in the Bay of Bengal is set to bring light to moderate rain to parts of the state starting Friday, January 23.
Tamil Nadu Weather and Temperature Trends
The state has been experiencing crisp, foggy mornings and colder-than-usual nights over the past two days. On Wednesday, the plains recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2°C in Tiruttani, while Kodaikanal in the hills saw 6°C. In Chennai, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded lows of 20.3°C and 19.3°C, respectively. The Chennai Meteorological Department forecasts that dry and clear weather will prevail until January 22, with minimum temperatures likely to remain 2–3°C below normal during this period.
Tamil Nadu Rain Forecast from January 23
A shift in wind patterns and an upper-air circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal are expected to reintroduce wet conditions. V.R. Durai, Director of the Regional Cyclone Warning Centre, stated, “Rain will arrive in the state from January 23rd, initially affecting coastal areas and gradually spreading inland by the weekend. Cloudy skies from Friday may also lead to slightly warmer nights.”
Winter Rainfall Recap
Despite the monsoon’s departure, Tamil Nadu has already recorded a surplus rainfall of 25.8 mm this winter season (from January 1). Several districts, including Coimbatore, Thanjavur, and the Nilgiris, have reported above-average precipitation during this period.
As the state transitions from a dry, cool spell to potentially wetter days ahead, residents are advised to prepare for changing conditions, especially those in coastal and northern districts where the initial showers are expected.