Rains, Cyclones & Hope: Northeast Monsoon in India

In India, when we talk about the monsoon, we usually mean the Southwest monsoon, which brings us a whopping 75% of our annual rainfall between June and September. But there's a fascinating twist to this weather story.

Introducing the Northeast monsoon, affectionately known as NEM. This one likes to make its grand entrance from October to December, earning its nickname as the "winter monsoon."

Well, if you happen to reside in Tamil Nadu, it's quite a treat. This state heavily relies on NEM to nourish its farmlands and replenish water supply.

Just imagine – almost half of Tamil Nadu's annual rainfall chooses to descend during the NEM season.

But NEM's generosity isn't confined to Tamil Nadu alone. It extends its reach to places like Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, north interior Karnataka, Mahe, and Lakshadweep.

However, there's a plot twist – NEM sometimes invites unwelcome guests, cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. When this happens, disaster management teams and coastal residents need to be on high alert.

So, the monsoon in India isn't just one act; it's a thrilling double feature, with the Southwest Monsoon opening the show and the Northeast Monsoon taking the spotlight, bringing rainfall, drama, and a dash of cyclone excitement!