Heavy Rainfall Expected in Chennai and 11 Tamil Nadu Districts, IMD Issues Alert

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu, forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Wednesday. The downpour, accompanied by lightning, is expected to impact various parts of the region, including Puducherry and Karaikal, causing potential disruptions to daily activities.

Key Points:

1. Regions Affected:

The IMD has predicted that heavy rains will particularly affect Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, and Madurai. These areas are likely to witness moderate to heavy showers, along with thunderstorms, throughout Wednesday.

2. School Closures:

In light of the weather alert, schools in Chennai were closed on Tuesday, November 12, to ensure the safety of students and staff. While there has been no official confirmation regarding school closures for Wednesday, the possibility remains, particularly if the rain and thunderstorms intensify.

3. Weather Update for Other Regions:

The IMD has expanded its alert to include other regions of South India, including Kerala, Mahe, South Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Puducherry, and Karaikal. These areas are expected to experience heavy rains, along with potential thunderstorms and lightning, impacting both urban and rural areas.

4. Chennai’s Weather Forecast:

Chennai will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with occasional thunderstorms. The temperature is expected to hover around 30°C during the day, with lows between 24-25°C at night. The humidity levels will remain high due to the rainfall, making the weather feel more uncomfortable.

5. Rainfall Accumulation:

Several areas within Chennai, including Perungudi, Alandur, and Adyar, saw significant rainfall on Tuesday, with reports of 8-10 cm of rainfall in these locations. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Zone 14 (Perungudi), which saw the highest accumulation. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent flooding and ensure prompt action if required.

6. Cause of Current Weather:

The ongoing heavy rains are linked to an upper air circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which has intensified into a low-pressure system. This system is impacting the region at multiple atmospheric levels, extending up to 4.5 km above sea level and tilting southwestward. The system’s movement is expected to bring further rainfall to the affected regions, exacerbating the weather conditions.

Precautions and Safety Measures:

• Flooding Risk: Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert, as the heavy rains may lead to waterlogging and localized flooding, particularly in low-lying regions of Chennai.
• Travel Advisory: Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and avoid areas with low visibility or prone to waterlogging. Public transport may experience delays due to adverse weather conditions.
• Health Precautions: With thunderstorms expected, people should take precautions against lightning strikes and avoid standing under trees or near tall, metal structures.

The IMD will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates. Local authorities are working to manage the impact of the rains and keep residents safe.