Tamil Nadu Weather: Chennai Braces For Above-Normal Rainfall In June

Tamil Nadu capital Chennai is set to receive more than normal rainfall in June and expect good rains in the days to come in the KTCC (Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu) region, according to popular weather blogger R. Pradeep John.

In a recent Facebook post, Pradeep John, known for his accurate forecasts, predicted that while the next ten days may see below-normal rainfall along the west coast and ghats, Chennai and the surrounding KTCC (Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu) region can expect heavy showers.

"June normal rainfall for Chennai is just 59 mm with 4 rainy days. But something has changed in the last 3 years. Never ever in 200 years of data, I could see such a change in trend," John wrote. "The June rainfall of Chennai has been super excess for the last three years, by more than 300%. This 2025 June also won't be different," he added.

According to his data, Chennai city's rainfall for June has been:

167 mm in 2022

210 mm in 2023

225 mm in 2024

Chennai Airport's rainfall figures are even higher:

168 mm in 2022

228 mm in 2023

274 mm in 2024

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported in its daily bulletin that maximum temperatures were above normal by 2-3°C at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, while the rest of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal experienced near-normal temperatures.

Madurai Airport recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 39.4°C, followed by Vellore (39°C), Tiruchirappalli (38.7°C), Thoothukudi (38.5°C), Palayamkottai (38.2°C), Erode (38°C), and Chennai (38.1°C).

Dharmapuri and Karur Paramathi registered the lowest minimum temperature at 23.0°C.

With both private forecasts and official data indicating weather extremes, residents of Tamil Nadu are advised to stay updated and take necessary precautions.

How It Rained Last Year?

Tamil Nadu received a total of 1,179 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is considered an "excess" year, with no district recording a rainfall deficit. This figure is significantly above the state's long-term average, representing a 15% increase compared to 2023, according to a report in DT Next. The northeast monsoon (October-December) alone contributed 590 mm, which was 33% above the normal for that season.

District-level highlights for 2024 include:

Tirunelveli: Topped the list with a 100% increase over normal rainfall.

Chennai: Continued its streak of excess rainfall for the fifth consecutive year, receiving 1,077.6 mm just during the northeast monsoon (Oct-Dec).

Only Thoothukudi (-8%) and Nilgiris (-1%) had slightly less than normal rainfall, but still not classified as deficit.

During the southwest monsoon (July-September), several districts also saw above-average rainfall, with Tirunelveli recording 268% above normal.

Summary:

Total rainfall in Tamil Nadu for 2024: 1,179 mm (statewide average)

Northeast monsoon (Oct-Dec 2024): 590 mm (33% above normal)

No district had a deficit rainfall in 2024

This marks 2024 as one of the wettest years for Tamil Nadu since 1871, ranking as the 15th best overall rainfall year in the state's recorded history, the report said.