Is Heavy Rainfall and Rough Sea Conditions Expected for Tamil Nadu?
Synopsis
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai warns of potential heavy rainfall and rough seas in Tamil Nadu as a depression forms in the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen are advised to stay ashore as alerts for various districts have been issued. Stay informed to ensure safety during these weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
Depression forming in the Bay of Bengal.
Yellow and orange alerts issued for multiple districts.
Heavy rainfall expected along the coast.
Fishermen advised to stay ashore.
Wind speeds may reach 65 kmph .
Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai (RMC) has reported that the well-defined low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into a depression, currently progressing west-northwest at a speed of about 18 kmph.
The RMC anticipates that this system may evolve into a deep depression within the next 15 hours, which could lead to widespread rainfall and turbulent sea conditions along various segments of the Tamil Nadu coastline.
As a precaution, a yellow alert has been issued for the districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Karaikal for Thursday and Friday, with warnings of heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
B. Amudha, head of RMC Chennai, pointed out that cyclonic activity in January is relatively common. Historical data shows that between 1891 and 2024, a total of 20 cyclonic disturbances, including depressions, cyclonic storms, and severe cyclonic storms, have occurred during this month.
The weather department has forecasted light to moderate rain at isolated places across Tamil Nadu on January 8, with rainfall expected at several spots along the coastal areas, as well as isolated places in interior Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
An orange alert has been raised for Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Puducherry on January 9 and 10, indicating the potential for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Additionally, a yellow alert will also be active on January 10 and 11 for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, and Puducherry districts.
The RMC has issued warnings about squally weather conditions along and off the Tamil Nadu coastline, particularly over the Gulf of Mannar and adjacent Comorin area.
Wind speeds are projected to range from 45 kmph to 55 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 65 kmph, particularly from January 8 to January 10. Sea conditions may become rough to very rough during this timeframe.
Fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast are strongly advised against venturing into the sea. Those already at sea are urged to steer clear of the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal and the coastal waters near Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for the next couple of days.
Point of View
It is imperative to prioritize public safety and awareness regarding weather-related events. The development of a depression in the Bay of Bengal necessitates vigilance among residents and authorities in affected areas. NationPress remains committed to delivering timely updates and crucial information to the public.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under alert for heavy rainfall?
Yellow alerts are issued for Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Karaikal. An orange alert is in effect for Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Puducherry.
What should fishermen do during this weather?
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and those at sea should avoid the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal and coastal waters off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
What is the expected wind speed during this period?
Wind speeds are expected to range between 45 kmph and 55 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 65 kmph.
How long will these weather conditions last?
The rough sea conditions and heavy rainfall are expected from January 8 to January 10.
Is cyclonic activity usual in January?
Yes, cyclonic activity during January is not uncommon, with historical data indicating several disturbances during this month.
