Heavy Rainfall Alert: Low-Pressure System Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a yellow alert for Chennai and neighboring districts on December 12 as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing heavy to very heavy rains.
The low-pressure area currently lies over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining east Equatorial Indian Ocean, with an associated cyclonic circulation extending to middle tropospheric levels. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and become more pronounced within the next 24 hours, reaching the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lanka–Tamil Nadu coast by December 11.
Under the system`s influence, several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, and Kancheepuram, are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 10 and 11. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts on December 12, while Chennai is under a yellow alert for potential heavy rains.
At least 12 districts, including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai, are bracing for intense monsoon spells starting December 10.
The RMC has cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea due to strong winds of 35–45 km/h prevailing over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Those already at sea are urged to return to shore immediately.
The weather department predicts that the intensity of rainfall will likely reduce from December 14 as the system weakens.
