Tamil Nadu has welcomed the month of September with a sharp prediction of heavy to intense downpours throughout the month as it has been reported that the Southwest monsoon would be active over the state, bringing a barrage of nimbus clouds. The recent spells of rainfall have pushed the state to record the third highest rainfall in 122 years. 

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has predicted that the month of September is likely to get more intense spells in the wake of an active Southwest monsoon. The prediction has suggested that the month will record more rainfall than a normal figure. For the past few days, several parts of Chennai have received heavy rainfall pre-dusk and it is pertinent to note that the parts of the city have recorded incessant downpours during the morning hours of Thursday. 

According to reports, Tamil Nadu has received 17 cm of rainfall which is 93 per cent higher than the normal data for August. As a usual trend, August would receive 9 cm average rainfall while September would record 12 cm with intense downpours. DT Next quoted Senthamarai Kannan of the Regional Meteorological Centre saying, "Generally, the highest rainfall would be recorded in September." 

"Even this year, the Met has predicted more intense showers over the state in September. It is likely to receive excess rainfall compared to last month", he added. It has been reported that in the wake of an active Southwest monsoon, at least 19 districts - Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Theni, Tirupattur, Dindigul, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tirupur, Karur, Madurai, Trichy, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Tenkasi, and Kallakurichi are expected to receive heavy rainfall till Tuesday - September 6. 

Responding to the Northeast monsoon, an official said, "Based on the withdrawal of Southwest monsoon, the seasonal rainfall for Tamil Nadu will be declared. Also, it has a few conditions before the Northeast monsoon commences such as wind direction. For instance, if it is predicted on October 1, it might start before or after the actual date." 

Earlier, taking to Twitter on August 31 - Wednesday, a weather watcher of Tamil Nadu, Pradeep John said that the Northeast Monsoon-like conditions in many parts of Tamil Nadu to continue for the next four to five days. He wrote, "NEM-like conditions and Massive rainy days in many parts of Tamil Nadu to continue for next 4-5 days, Chennai will get short day rains with clouds moving from the sea for the next 4 days Kodaikanal gets massive rains and Kerala to be in alert for next 3-4 days."