Chennai: Tamil Nadu is bracing for an intense wet spell as the Northeast Monsoon has intensified over the southern districts, with twin weather systems in the Bay of Bengal likely to bring widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued specific warnings for multiple districts, including Chennai, with a private forecaster warning of potential major flood damage.
According to the IMD, the weather activity is being driven by two key systems. First, a deep depression over the South Andaman Sea is expected to strengthen into a Cyclonic Storm over the South Bay of Bengal. Second, and more crucially for Tamil Nadu, a low-level circulation is prevailing over the Comorin Sea (Kumarikadal) and adjacent areas. This system is likely to form into a low-pressure area and gradually strengthen, interacting with the other system and directing a significant flow of moisture towards the state’s coast.
Tamil Nadu Weather Alert: Southern Districts on Immediate Notice, Chennai Later
The IMD has provided a detailed, multi-day forecast indicating escalating rainfall across the state. The southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram are on immediate alert for heavy rains. Over the subsequent days, the heavy rain belt is expected to expand northward to include Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam. The alert culminates in an Orange Alert for November 29 for northern coastal districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai, where very heavy rainfall is forecast.
Chennai Weather Forecast: Private Forecaster Warns of “Major Flood Damage”
Echoing the grim forecast, private meteorologist N. Selvakumar predicted that the system near Sri Lanka could cause “major flood damage.” He indicated that continuous rains are likely in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and the Delta districts from November 28 to December 1. He stated that the slow-moving nature of the system could lead to unprecedented rainfall, potentially causing significant flooding and waterlogging in the region.
The IMD has also issued a warning for fishermen, advising them not to venture into the sea due to the likelihood of cyclonic winds along the Tamil Nadu coast, the Comorin Sea, and the Gulf of Mannar.