In a recent weather update by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Tamil Nadu, including its capital Chennai, is expected to experience heavy downpour from today. It is because the Northeast Monsoon has entered its next phase, with a deep depression forming in the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal. The weather system is likely to intensify and move towards the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts on December 11 and 12. This rainfall is expected to be caused by a new low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
In their bulletin, IMD mentioned, “Thunderstorms and lightning with light rain are likely to occur in some areas. Mist/haze is likely to occur during early morning hours. The skies may be partly cloudy. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 32 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will be around 24-25 degrees Celsius”.In addition to Chennai, Puducherry, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi, are also likely to experience heavy rainfall. The delta regions which include Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Trichy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, and Pudukkottai are on on high alert for the next two days. These districts lie directly in the path of the depression, making them particularly vulnerable to intense precipitation. Authorities are urging residents in these areas to stay alert.
The officials have also advised tourists planning to visit popular hill stations like Kodaikanal and Coonoor to postpone their trips for the next three days as the regions are expected to experience heavy rainfall as the depression moves toward the Arabian Sea, posing risks to travellers.
As Tamil Nadu prepares for this intense weather system, both residents and tourists are urged to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories. Authorities are recommending avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly in areas under heavy rainfall alerts.