Tamil Nadu is likely to experience slightly below-normal rainfall for the Northeast monsoon this year, ending a six-year trend of normal or surplus rain. The state has recorded 42.7 cm so far, slightly less than the seasonal average. While scattered light to moderate showers are expected in southern districts and along the Western Ghats until January 4, the monsoon is currently in a weak and dry phase. The official end of the monsoon is December 31, though conditions are monitored for withdrawal.