Will Heavy Rain Affect the TN Western Ghats and Chennai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall expected in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
- Chennai to experience light to moderate isolated showers.
- Warnings issued for potential thunderstorms in the city.
- A low-pressure area is developing, possibly becoming a depression.
- Farmers may benefit from the rainfall, but risks of landslides exist.
Chennai, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai announced that the southwest monsoon has intensified over Tamil Nadu, indicating a likelihood of heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats in the upcoming days.
The forecast predicts significant precipitation for the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts, whereas Chennai and surrounding areas may see light to moderate showers in scattered locations.
The RMC also issued a warning for potential thunderstorms in the city over the next few days.
Officials reported that a low-pressure zone has developed over the west-central and adjacent northwest Bay of Bengal, near the coast of north Andhra Pradesh. Meteorologists anticipate this system may strengthen into a depression, amplifying rainfall activity across various regions of Tamil Nadu.
The RMC forecasts light to moderate rain at isolated spots throughout Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until August 24.
“The Western Ghats, especially the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, are projected to experience heavy downpours, while interior areas might receive moderate rainfall,” an official indicated.
In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with intermittent rain and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly those in low-lying regions susceptible to waterlogging during heavy rain.
This rainfall is anticipated to provide essential relief to farmers in the delta and interior areas, who have been eagerly waiting for consistent rain to support their crops. However, officials caution that heavy rain in mountainous areas could lead to landslides, urging local authorities to stay vigilant.
Fishermen along the coastal districts are advised to take precautions as the weather may worsen due to the developing depression in the Bay of Bengal.
The Meteorological Department is closely tracking the system’s development and will provide updates as the situation progresses.
As the southwest monsoon gathers strength, Tamil Nadu is expected to witness extensive rainfall activity in the coming days, bringing both relief and challenges to various regions.