Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as Low-Pressure Area Forms Over Bay of Bengal
The State is preparing for another spell of intense monsoon rainfall starting Tuesday, as a new low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).
On Sunday, the RMC issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts, including Chennai, for December 17. An upper air cyclonic circulation currently located over the south Andaman Sea and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has extended up to 3.1 km above sea level. This system is likely to evolve into a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, intensify further, and move west-northwestwards toward the Tamil Nadu coast over the subsequent two days.
Alerts Issued
- Orange Alert: Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur districts are forecast to receive very heavy rainfall.
- Yellow Alert: Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur districts are likely to experience heavy rains.
Rainfall Predictions
- December 17: Heavy rainfall is likely in Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai districts.
- December 18: Very heavy rainfall is expected in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts.
- December 19: The rainfall activity is predicted to gradually weaken as the system over the sea loses intensity. However, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore districts may still experience heavy rainfall.
Northeast Monsoon Statistics (Oct 1 – Dec 15)
- Rainfall received: 563 mm
- Normal rainfall: 408 mm
- Excess: 38%
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert and follow updates from local authorities.
