Tamil Nadu is expected to experience thunder and lightning rain for the next four days, as reported by the Meteorological Department. According to a press release from P. Chenthamaraikannan, the Director of the Chennai Meteorological Research Center, the deep low-pressure area previously situated in the South East and adjoining Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a low-pressure zone. It is currently located approximately 590 km south of Paradeep, Odisha, and about 740 km south of Dikha city in West Bengal. This low-pressure system is expected to strengthen further, becoming a deep depression, and move towards Bangladesh and the adjacent West Bengal coastal areas over the next three days.
Additionally, Cyclone Tej, which originated over the Arabian Sea, has developed into a severe storm and is currently affecting the Midwest and adjacent Southwest Arabian Sea. It is anticipated to make landfall along the coasts of Yemen and Oman on October 24, with maximum wind speeds reaching 140 kmph.
Over the next few days, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in several areas of South-East Tamil Nadu, as well as a few places in North-East Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until the 26th. On the 27th and 28th, light to moderate rain may occur in a few places.
In the Chennai metropolitan area, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy over the next 48 hours. Some parts of the city may experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. The maximum temperature is anticipated to be around 93 degrees Fahrenheit, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rainfall data from the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on the 22nd (yesterday) revealed that the highest rainfall was recorded at 5 cm in Chennai Ayanavaram and Madurai Melur, with 4 cm of rain in Singampunari of Sivagangai district, Thallakulam of Madurai district, Madurai city, Madurai North, Atiyapatti, Thaniyamangalam, and Kallikkudi. A rainfall of 3 cm was reported in other areas.
Fishermen are advised to refrain from venturing into the Arabian Sea until the 25th and to avoid the Bay of Bengal until the 26th.