# Climate and drought risks in Tamil Nadu

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/climate-and-drought-risks-in-tamil-nadu
> Updated: 2026-10-13T05:37:17.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Research indicates that Tamil Nadu is increasingly vulnerable to severe climate extremes. A study in the ‘International Journal of Climatology’ using data from 1971 to 2022 warns that the region is at risk of becoming a primary drought-prone area in India. Scientists noted that the area in Peninsular India affected by long-term drought has increased significantly since 2000, with South India showing the most severe signs.

Further projections suggest that an exceptionally strong El Niño phenomenon could exacerbate these conditions. Forecasts indicate that if El Niño coincides with existing climate change trends, summer temperatures in parts of Tamil Nadu could rise by as much as 3°C above normal in 2027. Such temperature increases are expected to strain water resources, increase electricity demand, and pose significant public health risks.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Tamil Nadu faces potential 3°C temperature rise due to El Niño

An intensifying El Niño is projected to raise summer temperatures in Tamil Nadu by up to 3°C in 2027, increasing risks of heatwaves, water scarcity, and health challenges for vulnerable populations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-faces-potential-3c-temperature-rise-due-to-el-nio

### 2026-09-27: Tamil Nadu emerging as a major drought-prone region in India

A new study warns that Tamil Nadu is emerging as a major drought-prone region in India due to increasing climate extremes in Peninsular India.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-emerging-as-a-major-drought-prone-region-in-india

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Cite as: Climate and drought risks in Tamil Nadu. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/climate-and-drought-risks-in-tamil-nadu