Chennai and its neighboring districts are preparing for heavy rainfall in the coming days as a well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicts that the rain, which began as light to moderate on Tuesday, is likely to persist for the next 48 hours.
The low-pressure system initially emerged over the West central and Northwest Bay of Bengal, near the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts on July 24. It has since intensified, leading to its classification as a well-marked low-pressure area on Tuesday. Over the next 24 hours, it is expected to develop into a depression and continue moving slowly west-northwestwards across north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts.
The RMC has issued alerts for several areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where heavy rain is anticipated. The districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet are expected to receive significant rainfall, potentially leading to localized flooding in some regions.
During the last 24 hours, several areas in Chennai recorded moderate spells of rainfall, resulting in water stagnation on interior roads and causing traffic gridlocks in the city. To ease the commute, authorities are advising citizens to exercise caution and opt for alternate travel routes if possible.
According to weather bloggers, the depression forming over the sea may bring widespread heavy rain to Tamil Nadu in the coming days. Chennai and its suburbs are likely to receive mild showers during the evening hours, with a further decrease in temperatures, ranging between 30 and 25 degrees Celsius for the next two days.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this period of prolonged rainfall.