Chennai weather: Driest October month in the past 100 years

Chennai: When it comes to extreme weather conditions, Chennai has become a hub of records in the last couple of years. While the city recorded the century's highest rainfall in November — December last year, the state capital has now experienced the lowest rain ever in an October month in the past 100 years.

As per the data from Indian Meteorological Centre, Chennai Nungambakkam received 22.4mm rainfall this October, the lowest in 100 years and fifth lowest in the past 200 years. The all time low of 11.2mm rains was recorded in 1918. Chennai airport is the victim in a shocking record of an all time low of just 5.9mm rain for the month.

The reason is two-fold: formation of back-to-back typhoons at South China Sea and movement of Cyclone Kyant in the North Bay of Bengal. Weather Blogger, Pradeep John says, “The two storms formed in South China Sea were active, thus delaying the winds from the North East. During the latter part of the month, cyclone Kyant played the spoilsport.

The cyclone, which initially moved around North East Bay, affected the wind pattern, leading to subdued activity in TN.”

It may be noted that the cyclone turned backwards and weakened near TN coast into a low pressure. Even the meagre rainfall that Chennai recorded was mostly due to convection activity.