Chennai Rain Update: IMD Issues Red Alert, Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Likely This Week

Chennai: Chennai and its neighboring regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall as the northeast monsoon is likely to set in by October 15 or 16, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon has progressed rapidly and is anticipated to end within the next four days, making way for the much-awaited northeast monsoon.

The IMD has reported a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean. This weather system is expected to evolve into a low-pressure area over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal by Monday, October 14. It is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure system and move northwestwards towards the northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh coastlines within the subsequent 48 hours, bringing significant rainfall to the region.

Chennai and Neighboring Districts on High Alert

The weather department in Chennai has issued a Red Alert for the city and surrounding districts on October 16, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. An Orange Alert has been issued for October 15, signaling the likelihood of heavy rainfall on that day as well. The districts expected to be affected by these alerts include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Puducherry.

In addition to these regions, other districts such as Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Salem may also experience heavy rainfall as the monsoon advances. The IMD has urged local authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize disruption and damage.

Recent Rainfall Patterns in Tamil Nadu

Even before the onset of the northeast monsoon, several districts in Tamil Nadu have already recorded significant rainfall. Over the past 24 hours, Madurai saw the heaviest rainfall, with a total of 16 cm. Tirubhuvanam in Sivaganga district received 14 cm, while Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district, Rameshwaram in Ramanathapuram district, Periyapatti in Madurai district, and Vettikadu in Thanjavur district each recorded 12 cm of rainfall.

These early showers have provided much-needed relief to some regions, while others are bracing for potential waterlogging and flooding as the intensity of the monsoon increases in the coming days.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore

The IMD has issued a warning to fishermen, advising them not to go in or around the sea until October 17 due to rough sea conditions and gusty winds. The wind speeds are expected to range from 55 to 60 km/h, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fishermen operating along the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts have been urged to exercise caution as sea conditions will likely remain dangerous during this period.