Heavy Rains Lash Chennai as Northeast Monsoon Nears; Alerts Issued Across Tamil Nadu
Chennai and its suburbs experienced heavy rainfall from midnight until early Monday morning, signaling the impending arrival of the northeast monsoon, which is expected to commence over the southeastern peninsular region between October 15 and 16. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the city today, indicating that rainfall intensity is likely to increase in the coming days.
Rainfall Expected Across 25 Districts
The IMD has forecasted rain in 25 districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Karur, Tiruchy, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi, with showers likely to continue until 10 am.
Red Alert for Extremely Heavy Rainfall on October 16
A red alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on October 16, with forecasts indicating that these areas could receive more than 20 cm of rainfall in a single day. The heavy downpour is expected to coincide with the onset of the northeast monsoon.
Low-Pressure Area to Form Over Bay of Bengal
Following the anticipated onset of the monsoon, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal, potentially intensifying rainfall activity across the region.
Orange and Yellow Alerts for Other Districts
In addition to the red alert, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for several districts, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore. These districts are advised to prepare for significant rainfall in the coming days.
Residents are urged to stay informed of the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
