Is Heavy Rain Forecasted for TN as Northeast Monsoon Strengthens?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Northeast monsoon has intensified across Tamil Nadu.
- A low-pressure area is forming over the Bay of Bengal.
- Heavy rainfall expected in multiple districts.
- Fishermen should return to shore due to strong winds.
- Monitoring of weather updates is crucial in the coming days.
Chennai, Oct 20 (NationPress) The northeast monsoon has intensified across Tamil Nadu, leading to extensive rainfall and atmospheric disturbances throughout southern India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the bolstered monsoon has resulted in a persistent low-pressure trough forming over southern Kerala and the adjacent Comorin Sea regions, while a deep depression over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area remains present in the same vicinity.
As per Amudha, Head of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, this system is anticipated to shift west-northwest on Monday, gradually evolving into a well-defined low-pressure zone.
Additionally, a new low-pressure system is projected to develop over the south Andaman Sea and the adjacent Bay of Bengal by Tuesday, which may further strengthen and move northwestward by Wednesday, affecting weather conditions in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until October 24.
The IMD has forecasted thunderstorms and lightning in various locations, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in isolated areas—particularly across the northern coastal districts, the Western Ghats, and nearby interior regions.
Fishermen are urged to return to the shore as strong winds of 35–55 kmph are anticipated over the south and central Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea near Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and Maldives regions until October 23.
On Monday, heavy rainfall is expected in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam districts.
On Tuesday, moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai.
On October 23, extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore districts, while Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai could see heavy rains.
In the last 24 hours up to 8:30 am on Monday, Kotagiri recorded 14 cm of rain, while Kovilankulam and Aruppukottai each received 13 cm.
Makinampatti received 12 cm, while Rajapalayam, Sivakasi, and Koundampatti each received 11 cm.
Private weather observer Hemachandar from Delta Weatherman noted, however, that the current low-pressure system is unlikely to develop into a cyclonic storm.
“The system is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Kovalam, north of Chennai, by the night of October 23 or early morning on October 24,” he stated.
aal/rad