Tamil Nadu weather: Heavy rains to lash Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram

Chennai

Tamil Nadu remains in the grip of a vigorous northeast monsoon, with several districts, including capital Chennai, facing another day of intense rainfall on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, warning of isolated heavy rainfall and potential traffic disruptions across the region.

According to the IMD’s latest forecast, the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet are specifically expected to be hit by heavy rain. A broader yellow alert for heavy rainfall is also in place for Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Salem districts.

The severity of the forecast has prompted local authorities to take action. In Dharmapuri, District Collector Satish has declared a holiday for all schools in the district on Thursday as a precautionary measure, as reported by The Indian Express.

The rainfall battering the state is significant. Data from the IMD shows that Chennai alone recorded a substantial 97.9 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Wednesday. Rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours is officially classified as ‘heavy’, indicating the intensity of the current downpour.

Beyond the districts under yellow alert, light to moderate rainfall is forecast for a number of other areas. These include Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, The Nilgiris, Thoothukkudi and Tirunelveli districts.

The neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry and the Karaikal area are also likely to experience similar conditions with thunderstorms and lightning.

The IMD has attributed the persistent wet spell to a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. However, there is a glimmer of respite on the horizon, as the meteorological body stated this system is likely to weaken from Thursday, which could ease the relentless rainfall in the coming days.

For Chennai on Thursday, the IMD predicts the heavy rain will continue. The city is expected to see a maximum temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius.

The adverse weather is not confined to Tamil Nadu, The Indian Express reported. The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and heavy rainfall over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Mahe and the Konkan and Goa region.

With the yellow alert emphasising the risk of traffic disruption, authorities are urging citizens across Tamil Nadu to exercise caution and stay updated on official weather advisories as the northeast monsoon continues to unleash its force.