Where are the rains?

As someone who has lived in and around Gujarat all his conscious life, I feel confused at the pattern of monsoons in Chennai. It is the end of September and I haven't seen a day of continuous rains. By this time, Vapi or Mumbai would have lashed you with all its fury, given you a couple of holidays thrown in and by and large a few bouts of cold as well. Chennai has a very different pattern. It is burning hot for four to five days. Then suddenly, out of nowhere you see some dark clouds hovering above your head. Those are the warning signs of an hour or so of rains, and more importantly a surprise quiz in the OB class. But the wind carries the clouds away before you can say 'I wish I had some tea and hot pakoras.' Not that I mind though. I am not much of a monsoon person anyway.

The reason for the low rainfall in Chennai during this time of the year is of course its location. I am told that Chennai gets most of its rains through the retreating monsoons. This means that the peak rain season is Oct-Dec. So I guess Chennai is yet to get its share of rains. As someone who is learning the importance of drawing pictures, here are the rainfall figures for Mumbai and Chennai which will give you a better idea. Clearly, the monsoons are yet to come, and considering the view from my room, I'm eagerly waiting for it.