Weather in Thanjavur

Climate and Year-Round Weather in Thanjavur, India

Thanjavur, a city located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, experiences a tropical climate. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, this city's weather plays a significant role in shaping its charm and appeal. The climate in Thanjavur is classified as 'Aw' by the Köppen-Geiger system, indicating a tropical wet and dry or savanna type of climate.

Average Temperature

Thanjavur experiences an average temperature of around 28.2°C throughout the year. The city experiences considerable temperature variation across different months, with the warmest month typically being May, when temperatures can rise up to 40°C or higher during the day. The coldest month is generally January, with temperatures dropping to as low as 20°C during the night.

Seasonal Weather

The weather in Thanjavur can be broadly categorized into three main seasons - Summer, Monsoon, and Winter.

• Summer (March to June): Summers in Thanjavur are typically hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Despite the intense heat, this season also brings with it clear skies and sunny weather.
• Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season in Thanjavur is characterized by heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 1116 mm.
• Winter (October to February): Winters in Thanjavur are moderate and much cooler compared to the scorching summer months. The temperatures during this season range between 20°C and 30°C.

Humidity and Rainfall

Humidity levels in Thanjavur are usually high due to its proximity to the sea. The average annual relative humidity is approximately 70%. The city receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, with October being the wettest month with an average rainfall of about 187 mm.

Wind Speed and Direction

The average annual wind speed in Thanjavur is around 3.6 m/s. The prevailing wind direction is from the northeast for most of the year. However, during the monsoon season, the wind direction often changes to the southwest.

"The climate in Thanjavur is largely influenced by its geographical location and the monsoonal winds. The city's close proximity to the equator results in high temperatures throughout the year, while the monsoonal winds bring in heavy rains during the monsoon season." - Climate Expert

Climate Change Impact

Like many parts of the world, Thanjavur is also feeling the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and increasing instances of extreme weather events are some of the significant climate change impacts facing the city. These changes pose serious challenges to the city's agricultural sector, which is a crucial part of its economy.

Conclusion

Understanding the climate and weather patterns of Thanjavur is crucial for planning travel, agricultural activities, and even day-to-day life. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Thanjavur continues to thrive, offering its residents and visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban life.

References

• Climate-Data.org - Climate Thanjavur: Temperature, Climate graph, Climate table
• World Weather and Climate Information - Climate and average monthly weather in Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), India