Tamil Nadu is preparing for a spell of intense rainfall as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal shows signs of further deepening. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has maintained its forecast of heavy rain across south Tamil Nadu and the delta districts, with the wet conditions expected to extend to north Tamil Nadu by the weekend.
Officials said the system is likely to intensify into a depression by Thursday, strengthening further as it moves across the southwest Bay toward the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by Saturday.
Cyclone Senyar Not a Threat to Tamil Nadu
The RMC clarified that Cyclone Senyar, currently positioned over the coastal areas of northeast Indonesia, will not affect Tamil Nadu’s weather.
Instead, all attention is on the developing low-pressure zone hovering over the southwest Bay of Bengal, southeast Sri Lanka, and the equatorial Indian Ocean. Meteorologists say this system could help erase the rainfall deficits recorded in districts such as Perambalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, and Kancheepuram.
Alerts Issued Across Several Districts
The RMC has issued the following warnings:
-
Yellow Alert (Thursday) for five south coastal and delta districts, including Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur, where heavy rainfall is likely.
-
Orange and Yellow Alerts (Friday) for delta and adjoining districts such as Ariyalur and Cuddalore, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall.
-
Widespread Rainfall (Saturday) across several parts of Tamil Nadu.
North Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and nearby districts, may receive intense rainfall of up to 21 cm on Saturday and Sunday.
RMC Monitoring System Closely
B. Amudha, Head (Additional In-Charge) of the RMC, said the current synoptic patterns indicate the system could intensify into a deep depression.
She added that rainfall alerts could be revised based on the system’s movement and strength.
“More clarity is expected in the coming days as the system evolves,” she said.
Rainfall Status in Tamil Nadu
A prolonged dry spell in many districts earlier this month had raised concerns, but renewed rainfall activity has helped bring seasonal numbers closer to normal.
Tamil Nadu has so far recorded 34.8 cm of rainfall this northeast monsoon season — about 4% above its long-period average of 33.5 cm since October 1.
