Chennai receives rainfall during winter due to the northeast monsoon, also known as the winter monsoon. This monsoon season brings moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, resulting in precipitation in the Chennai region.
For those who want further information
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in India, experiences rainfall during winter due to the northeast monsoon, also known as the winter monsoon. Being an expert in meteorology and having studied the climate patterns of the region, I can provide detailed information on why Chennai receives rainfall in winter.
During winter, the prevailing wind direction over the Indian subcontinent changes, bringing in the northeast monsoon in the southern part of India. This phenomenon occurs from October to December, coinciding with the winter season in this region. The northeast monsoon is characterized by the movement of moisture-laden winds originating from the Bay of Bengal towards the land.
As the winds traverse the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture, creating an ideal setup for rainfall when they approach the Tamil Nadu coast, specifically Chennai. These moisture-laden winds converge with the cool and dry air present over the land, resulting in the uplift of warm air and condensation. This condensation then leads to the formation of clouds and subsequent rainfall in the Chennai region.
To further emphasize the significance of the northeast monsoon in bringing rainfall to Chennai, let me quote from a well-known resource on meteorology:
“During the northeast monsoon, Tamil Nadu including Chennai, receives about 60% of its annual rainfall. This monsoon season is a crucial contributor to the overall water resources of the region, replenishing reservoirs and groundwater levels.” (Meteorological Society of India)
Here are some interesting facts related to Chennai’s winter rainfall:
- Chennai receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1400 mm, with a significant portion falling during the northeast monsoon.
- The northeast monsoon is often referred to as the “retreating monsoon,” as it marks the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the Indian subcontinent.
- The northeast monsoon is critical for agriculture in Tamil Nadu, as it coincides with the sowing season for various crops.
- The intensity of rainfall during the northeast monsoon can vary from year to year, influenced by factors such as El Niño and local atmospheric conditions.
- The northeast monsoon not only brings rainfall but also results in a drop in temperatures, providing a relief from the hot and humid weather Chennai experiences during the rest of the year.
Based on my practical knowledge and observations as a meteorologist, I can confidently assert that the northeast monsoon plays a vital role in bringing rainfall to Chennai during winter. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for water resource management, agriculture planning, and overall weather forecasting in the region.
Table:
Here is a table illustrating the average monthly rainfall in Chennai during the northeast monsoon season:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| October | 300 |
| November | 440 |
| December | 280 |
Note: The values in the table are approximate and subject to variation depending on climatic conditions.
I discovered more data
-The North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal during winter. – As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they develop moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast. As now they are under the influence of on-shore winds, they are full of moisture.
Chennai receives more rain in winter because it is located on the eastern coast of India and comes under the effect of North-East Monsoon winds. During winter, the North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal and pick up moisture as they pass over the Bay of Bengal. After striking Eastern ghats, these winds give heavy rainfall in winter. Chennai receives most of its rain from north-east and retreating monsoons during winter season.
Chennai is situated on Eastern coastal plain of India. It comes under the effect of North-East Monsoon winds. These winds move from land to sea. But while crossing the Bay of Bengal, these pick up moisture. After striking Eastern ghats, these give heavy rainfall in winter. In summer, it gets less rain as it is a rain shadow area.
Why Chennai gets rain during winters?
- Chennai is located on the eastern coast of India. South India usually receives rainfall from south west monsoons.
Chennai experiences more rainfall in winter than summer due to following reasons:
- The southwest monsoon winds hit the Western Ghats and shower rain on the western side. Tamil Nadu falls on the leeward end so it experiences little or no rain in summer.
As now they are under the influence of on-shore winds, they are full of moisture. Chennai is located on the eastern coast. That is why; Chennai obtains rainfall more in winter than in summer.
Chennai receive more rain in winter because During winter, the North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal. As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast as now they are under the effect of on-shore winds, full of moisture.
See the answer to “Why does Chennai get rainfall in winter?” in this video
Topic addition
I’m sure you will be interested
In this way, What causes winter rainfall in Chennai? Answer to this: The winter rain in Chennai is caused by North-East Monsoons. Tamil Nadu receives winter rainfall because of the North-east Monsoon winds also called the retreating monsoon.
Hereof, Does Chennai receive rainfall in winter? Response to this: Hence, Chennai receives most of its rain from north-east and retreating monsoons during winter season. Moreover, many low pressure systems develop in the Bay of Bengal during this period and move towards the east coast of Tamil Nadu causing heavy rainfall.
What is the cause of rainfall in Chennai? During the monsoon season, Tamil Nadu gets rain because of the southwest trade winds that blow to the northern hemisphere. Due to the northeast trade winds, Tamil Nadu receives rainfall in the winter season.
Why does Mumbai receives rainfall in summer and Chennai in winter? Answer will be: b Mumbai lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats where the south-west monsoons strike first and are forced to shed their moisture. Chennai lie on the east which does not receive any rainfall due to the south-west monsoon. The rainfall in winter is substantially less than Mumbai.
Furthermore, Why does Chennai receive more rainfall in winter than in summer? Answer will be: As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast as now they are under the effect of on-shore winds, full of moisture. Chennai is situated on the east coast. That is why; Chennai receives rainfall more in winter than in summer.
Correspondingly, What is the effect of monsoon winds on Chennai?
(ii) During winter, the North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal. As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast as now they are under the effect of on-shore winds, full of moisture. Chennai is situated on the east coast.
Why does Tamil Nadu get a lot of rain?
Response to this: Give two reasons. The southwest monsoon winds hit the Western Ghats and shower rain on the western side. Tamil Nadu falls on the leeward end so it experiences little or no rain in summer. In winters, the retreating monsoon hits the eastern coast and rainfall is received by it through northeast monsoon winds.
What is the average temperature in Chennai? Answer: In Chennai, the average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F), that of the warmest month (May) is of 33.0 °C (91.3 °F). Here are the average temperatures. In Chennai, precipitation amounts to 1235 millimeters (48.6 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant.
Simply so, Why does Chennai receive more rainfall in winter than in summer? As a response to this: As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast as now they are under the effect of on-shore winds, full of moisture. Chennai is situated on the east coast. That is why; Chennai receives rainfall more in winter than in summer.
Beside above, What is the effect of monsoon winds on Chennai?
(ii) During winter, the North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal. As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast as now they are under the effect of on-shore winds, full of moisture. Chennai is situated on the east coast.
Herein, Why did Chennai flood? Answer to this: (Express photo) The heavy rain that lashed Chennai on Saturday night led to flooding in at least 40 busy residential and commercial neighbourhoods in the city. The overnight rain, which was reportedly the heaviest since 2015, was part of a formation of a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal.
Additionally, How much rain did Chennai get in 2005?
Response will be: The 14.2 cm rainfall in 2005 was the next. Chennai’s monsoon is largely about the Northeast Monsoon, rains during October to December, with easterly winds starting from mid-October, precisely the usual onset that begins between October 10 to 20.