Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged spell of rainfall across Tamil Nadu, influenced by the established Northeast Monsoon and the formation of new weather systems over adjacent seas. A low-pressure area is currently prevailing over the Comorin Sea and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, while another is likely to form over the Arabian Sea off the Kerala-Karnataka coast today.
This dual-system influence is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning to most places in the state until October 23, with specific districts being put on alert for heavy to very heavy downpours. The IMD’s warning indicates that the active monsoon conditions will persist through the week, potentially impacting Diwali celebrations and daily life.
Heavy Rain Alerts Issued for Western and Southern Districts
The IMD has specified a district-wise breakdown for anticipated heavy rainfall over the coming days. Today, heavy rains are likely in nine western districts: The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, and Karur.
The alert shifts slightly tomorrow, with heavy rain predicted for The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Theni, and Tenkasi. By October 20, the heavy rainfall belt is expected to move towards the southern coastal and interior districts, including The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. For Chennai, the forecast suggests a generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in a few areas.
Heavy Rains Disrupt Diwali Preparations in Southern Tamil Nadu
The ongoing intense rainfall has already begun to severely disrupt normal life, particularly in the southern districts. An Orange Alert has been in effect for Tirunelveli for the past two days, confining people to their homes. In Ramanathapuram, persistent rains have led to waterlogging, causing significant hardship for the public with bus stands, hospitals, and schools affected by overflowing rainwater.
Areas including Mudukulathur, R.S. Mangalam, and Rameswaram have also experienced heavy downpours. The rough seas and strong winds reported in Pamban and Dhanushkodi further highlight the system’s intensity. Beyond the disruption to daily commutes and public life, the untimely rains have dealt a blow to the festive economy, with Diwali sales being affected across most districts as customers stay indoors.
Diwali travellers Warned About Heavy Rain Risks
Private weather blogger K Srikanth of Chennai rains has issued a special weather update for those driving south for Diwali. Rain bands from the sea between Pondicherry and the Delta coast, pushed by strong Easterlies, are moving inland up to Perambalur, Kallakurichi, and Salem districts. Drivers may face moderate to heavy rains, particularly between Villupuram and Trichy. Night-time travel requires caution to avoid aquaplaning on standing water. In the coming hours, rain is also likely over North Coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai to Villupuram.