Chennai: The Northeast Monsoon has intensified dramatically over Tamil Nadu, fuelled by the formation of deep depressions in both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Chennai, forecasting very heavy rainfall for the city today and tomorrow, while scientists closely monitor the Bay of Bengal system for potential cyclogenesis.
Orange Alert for Chennai and Coastal districts as very heavy rain lashes Tamil Nadu
The active monsoon conditions have already resulted in significant rainfall across Tamil Nadu. Since its onset on October 16, the state has received 59% more rain than the average for this period. Just yesterday, heavy rains were recorded in 20 different locations, with Chennai’s Medavakkam area receiving a notable 10 cm of rainfall.
In response to the strengthening systems, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for very heavy rains in Chennai and several coastal districts for both today and tomorrow. The forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, raising concerns of waterlogging and disruption in the capital and other vulnerable areas.
Chennai Rains: City braces for first threatening spell, Red alert for north coastal Tamil Nadu
For the next 48 hours, Chennai will experience heavy to very heavy rain, with maximum temperature around 28 °C and minimum near 25 °C. Intermittent spells of thunderstorms and lightning are likely. It is to be noted that a holiday has been declared for all schools in Chennai on October 22, Wednesday in the wake heavy rain forecast.
Bay of Bengal depression under watch; Landfall expected on October 23
Dr. B. Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, confirmed that the depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified and is expected to move west-northwestwards, making landfall around October 23. While its potential to develop into a cyclone remains uncertain, a clearer picture is expected tomorrow. The simultaneous strengthening of these twin systems is creating a volatile weather scenario for the state.
All eyes are on the evolving depression over the Bay of Bengal. Dr. Amudha, in a press briefing, provided a critical update, stating, “The depression formed in the Bay of Bengal has strengthened and is prevailing in the same place. It will move in a west-northwesterly direction and cross the coast on the 23rd.”
She emphasized that it is currently not possible to definitively confirm if it will intensify into a named cyclonic storm, noting, “We will know whether it will turn into a storm tomorrow.”
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.