The Meteorological Department on Friday announced the arrival of the northeast monsoon.
The onset of the monsoon took place nine days after the usual date.
During the 24-hour-period that ended at 8-30 a.m. on Friday, most parts of the State received rainfall. Papanasam (Thanjavur district) and Valangaiman (Tiruvarur district) recorded 13 cm each; Virudhachalam (Cuddalore), Kodavasal (Tiruvarur) and Vembavur (Perambalur) 11 cm each and Thozhudur (Cuddalore) 10 cm.
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Chennai and the neighbouring areas too received its first bout of rainfall. Nungambakkam and Red Hills received six cm each and Cholavaram 5 cm.
Coincidentally, it was on the same date (October 29) that the onset of the monsoon took place last year too. The State recorded a normal rainfall with 13 per cent more than the anticipated amount of rainfall.
Y.E.A.Raj, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, RMC, said that on Thursday, the wind direction reversed from westerly to easterly, which favoured the onset of northeast monsoon.
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The first spell of showers was expected to continue till November 3 and the coastal areas would get more rainfall.
Since October 1, Tamil Nadu received 24 per cent less rainfall than its usual quota. As on date, it received 13 cm against the normal 17 cm.