Tamil Nadu in for heavy rains this week; IMD issues yellow watch across multiple districts

Monday, November 11: Rainfall alerts have been sounded across various parts of Tamil Nadu, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting considerable rainfall activity in the region this week.

Tamil Nadu receives nearly 50% of its annual rainfall during the northeast monsoon season. While October’s rains were just enough to meet the ‘normal’ precipitation criterion, its performance in November so far has been disappointing. Fortunately, the system brewing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring temporary respite to the state.

A cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal has been bringing some rainfall to the coastal areas since the weekend. According to the IMD, a low pressure area is expected to form under the influence of a cyclonic circulation in the next 36 hours. The system will then move westwards towards Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka during the subsequent two days.

Consequently, isolated heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) are expected to lash Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between Monday and Friday (November 11-15). Light to moderate rainfall activity along with thunderstorms and lightning is possible over parts of the state.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Tamil Nadu from November 13 to 15, forecasting heavy rainfall in Chennai. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are also forecast Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram.

Apart from Tamil Nadu districts, the Bay of Bengal system will also impact its neighbouring states. Heavy rains have been forecast over Andhra Pradesh between Tuesday and Thursday (November 12-14), Kerala from Wednesday to Saturday (November 13-16) and South Interior Karnataka on Thursday (November 14).

Residents in these regions are advised to remain updated about the forecasts and plan their day accordingly. Fisherfolk have been advised against venturing into sea along the Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar and Comorin region until the end of this week due to squally conditions.

Meanwhile, met projections suggest that Tamil Nadu will receive below-normal rains until November 14, with more intense precipitation activity picking up statewide between November 15 and 21.