Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as New Low-Pressure System Forms

Heavy rains forecast for South India

Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as New Low-Pressure System Forms Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh are preparing for heavy rainfall from December 16 to 18 due to a low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal around December 15. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the system will move west-northwestward toward Tamil Nadu, bringing heavy rains by midweek. Light rainfall is expected over the next two days, with isolated heavy showers forecast for December 17. The IMD has issued yellow alerts for coastal and delta districts, including Chengalpet and Kancheepuram, on December 17 and 18.

In Chennai, light rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are anticipated on December 14, with temperatures ranging from 24–25°C at night to 30–31°C during the day. Kerala and coastal Andhra Pradesh are also likely to experience heavy rainfall on December 17 and 18, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will see heavy rain on December 14 and 15.

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid vulnerable areas, including the Comorin region, Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and the Andaman Sea from December 14 to 17. Travel into the Bay of Bengal is discouraged on specific dates from December 15 to 17.

Since October 1, Tamil Nadu has recorded 54 cm of rainfall, a 32% surplus for the season, and the upcoming rains are expected to increase this surplus further while creating challenges for local residents and infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as New Low-Pressure System Forms  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a fresh spell of rainfall for Chennai and surrounding areas next week as another low-pressure area forms over the Bay of Bengal and moves towards the Tamil Nadu coast. This system is expected to bring rain to several districts, including Chengalpet, on December 17, and extend the warning to 12 districts, including Chengalpet and Kancheepuram, on December 18.

Chennai is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall on December 14, with partly cloudy skies. Rain intensity is expected to increase from December 16 to 18. This comes after recent heavy rainfall in Chennai, which led to waterlogging and disrupted normal life. The earlier rain was linked to a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka, which is expected to weaken soon.

In northern India, a cold wave has gripped several regions. A cold wave alert has been issued for Punjab on December 14, and isolated areas of West Bengal are also expected to experience cold conditions until December 15. Severe cold wave conditions continue in Rajasthan, with temperatures in some areas, such as Fatehpur, dropping below freezing. The IMD predicts minimum temperatures of 2–6°C in the coming days, with dry weather expected to persist.

Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as New Low-Pressure System Forms  Heavy rain continues to affect Tamil Nadu, prompting the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) to issue an orange alert for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli districts on Saturday, with a yellow alert for 11 other districts. In Chennai, light rainfall is expected, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas, with partly cloudy skies. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 24-25°C at night to 30-31°C during the day.

The coastal and delta regions of Tamil Nadu are set to experience heavy rains from December 16, with the formation of another low-pressure area expected to trigger intense rainfall. The active Northeast Monsoon has contributed to consecutive weather systems, prompting calls for better disaster preparedness and studies on these patterns.

Rainfall continued across Tamil Nadu through Friday evening, with Virudhunagar receiving 12 cm and Thoothukudi 10 cm of rain by 5:30 pm. Widespread rainfall is expected to resume on Monday. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is set to develop over the South Andaman Sea on Saturday, leading to the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the southern Bay of Bengal, which will move toward Tamil Nadu.

The rain has caused significant damage, including five fatalities related to the weather and the deaths of over 100 cattle. More than 2,000 people have been relocated to 50 relief camps, and over 400 homes have been affected. The Thamiraparani River’s flow has increased to 50,000 cusecs, prompting the evacuation of residents from riverbanks and low-lying areas. Alerts have been issued to over 11.75 lakh mobile phones for public safety.

Heavy rain expected in Tamil Nadu from December 16

Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain as New Low-Pressure System Forms Coastal and delta districts of Tamil Nadu are preparing for heavy rainfall starting December 16, as a new low-pressure system forms over the Bay of Bengal, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai. After a brief two-day break, widespread rain will resume on December 16, with rainfall intensity expected to increase. Heavy rain is predicted in six districts on December 17 and 18. An orange alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal on December 17.

So far, Tamil Nadu has received 53.4 cm of seasonal rainfall, surpassing the usual 44 cm. Several districts have recorded exceptionally high rainfall due to the active Northeast Monsoon. Thenkasi, in particular, has seen historic rainfall, with heavy rain continuing for the second consecutive day, though it is expected to subside by tonight.