The Tamil Nadu Weatherman has reassured residents of the Chennai region that no extreme rainfall is expected in the coming days. Despite the current circulation in the sea, the forecast suggests only normal rainfall on October 17, 2024. The anticipated rainfall amounts will likely range from 50 to 70 mm, with isolated instances of slightly higher rainfall in some areas. The intense weather that the region experienced earlier has subsided, making another 200 mm rainfall day highly unlikely.
Context of Recent Rains
The Tamil Nadu Weatherman clarified that while some might consider the recent rains normal, the event was indeed significant. Over 75 weather stations recorded more than 200 mm of rain in a 24-hour period. Although the official measurements were split into two days due to the 8:30 am cut-off, the rainfall occurred within a span of 24 hours, making it a noteworthy event. If the expected overnight rains had persisted, the situation could have been more severe.
Preparedness and Realism
The Tamil Nadu Weatherman urged the public to remain vigilant and alert, emphasizing that weather prediction is not infallible and nature is inherently unpredictable. The forecaster highlighted that in flat cities like Chennai, 20 cm of rain could cause water stagnation in low-lying areas, while 40 cm would likely overwhelm stormwater drainage systems, as rivers would swell and impede the drainage flow.
Courtesy: Tamil Nadu Weatherman