June 2024 is set to be one of the wettest Junes Chennai has seen in 60 years, with the city already recording rainfall far exceeding its average. Unusual evening thunderstorms have blanketed north Tamil Nadu, resulting in nearly 20 cm of rain in Nungambakkam and 24.1 cm in Meenambakkam. This deluge is significantly higher than the usual 6 cm for June.
Weather experts attribute this anomaly to a combination of a cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema, enhanced observational infrastructure, and changes in monsoon patterns post-1990. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, influenced by strong westerlies and moisture-laden sea breezes.