IMD issues heavy rain alert for 10 TN districts
Chennai, May 12
The India Meteorological Department has said that the low-pressure area formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lankan coast is likely to intensify further over the next 48 hours, raising the possibility of increased rainfall activity across several parts of Tamil Nadu in the coming days.
In a weather bulletin issued on Tuesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) stated that the system, which developed over the southwest Bay adjoining Sri Lanka, is expected to strengthen gradually into a more active weather system. However, officials clarified that there is currently no immediate threat of severe weather conditions over Tamil Nadu.
The weather department has forecast moderate rainfall at isolated places in the southern coastal districts and delta regions of Tamil Nadu over the next four days under the influence of the evolving system.
The prevailing atmospheric conditions are expected to enhance moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, leading to intermittent rain and cloudy skies in several regions.
The IMD has also issued a heavy rainfall warning for 10 districts of Tamil Nadu on May 15 and 16. According to the forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain are likely to occur in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts during the period.
Weather officials said rainfall activity could intensify, particularly in interior and western districts, due to localised convection and moisture incursion triggered by the low-pressure system.
Fishermen have also been advised to closely follow weather updates before venturing into the sea, as conditions may turn rough in parts of the Bay of Bengal adjoining the Tamil Nadu coast.
Meanwhile, Chennai is expected to witness partly cloudy to generally cloudy skies over the next two days. The weather department said maximum temperatures in the city are likely to remain below 37 degrees Celsius, offering slight relief from the prevailing summer heat.
The latest development comes amid increasing pre-monsoon weather activity across south India, with several regions already experiencing scattered showers, gusty winds and thunderstorms over the past week.
Meteorologists are continuing to closely monitor the movement and intensity of the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone living in Chennai, I'm just hoping the rains don't cause waterlogging again. Last year was a mess in several areas. Glad they've warned fishermen early though - safety first always. 👍
I always find it fascinating how the Bay of Bengal systems work. Pre-monsoon showers are crucial for our region, but I wish the IMD gave more location-specific updates. People in delta districts need to know if there's flood risk, not just a general alert. Just my thought.
Living in the Nilgiris, we're used to sudden weather changes, but this alert makes me a bit nervous especially with tourists pouring in for summer. Hope the roads stay safe. 🚗
Nice to see temperatures might stay below 37°C in Chennai! Every degree counts in this summer. Just hope the monsoon kicks in properly soon - our water reservoirs need it desperately. 💧
Growing up in Thanjavur, I've seen how these low-pressure systems can turn quickly. Hope the agriculture department coordinates with farmers on harvesting schedules. The delta region can't afford crop loss again. 😕
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