The northeast monsoon, which provides major share of rainfall to Tamil Nadu, is likely to set in around October 17.
There may be an increase in rainfall in the State from October 15, according to the India Meteorological Department. The prolonged southwest monsoon will come to an end in two days over the southern parts of the country. Officials said usually, the north monsoon sets in around October 20. But, a deviation of seven days before or after this date is considered normal.
Changes in wind path
N. Puviarasan, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said wind direction had changed from westerly to easterlies at low level over the State. This would strengthen in the coming days. Easterly winds driven trough would usher in the monsoon this year.
Rainfall activity may begin on October 15 and become widespread across the State from October 16. Most parts of the State may get light to moderate rain and one or two places heavy rain, he said.
Officials recalled that the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum has predicted a normal monsoon over the southern peninsula this year. Chennai has a chance of getting light rain till Wednesday. The maximum temperature would be around 34 degree Celsius.
