Analyze the spatial distribution of precipitation and climate regimes in southern India: Why does the coastal city of Chennai receive more than half of its annual rainfall during the months of October to December, contrasting with the rest of India which receives peak rainfall during the southwest monsoon?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Chennai and the Coromandel coastal belt receive their primary rainfall from the northeast monsoon between October and December as trade winds blow southward over the Bay of Bengal, picking up moisture and depositing it upon striking the eastern coast. The Western Ghats create a rain-shadow effect during the summer southwest monsoon, shielding Tamil Nadu from significant rainfall then. Tropical cyclones during the retreating monsoon season also contribute periodic heavy downpours to coastal districts. This distinct precipitation regime governs regional agricultural cropping calendars.