Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts today, with Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts also expected to receive significant downpours. The alert comes as the Northeast Monsoon remains active over Tamil Nadu, already prompting precautionary measures, including the declaration of a school holiday in Dharmapuri district.
Meanwhile, a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which was being closely monitored, has shown signs of weakening. The system is expected to move towards the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast and weaken further into a depression within the next 24 hours, reducing the threat of it intensifying into a more severe weather phenomenon.
Chennai Weather Forecast: Cloudy Skies and Heavy Thundershowers Expected
For Chennai and its suburbs, the weather outlook for today indicates generally cloudy skies with a high probability of heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in several parts of the city. Residents can expect a noticeable drop in temperatures, with the maximum temperature likely to be around 30-31° Celsius and the minimum around 24-25° Celsius.
The IMD has forecast that moderate rain with thunder and lightning may occur at a few places across Tamil Nadu. However, the intensity will be markedly higher in the northern coastal and interior districts, with Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet specifically highlighted for heavy rainfall, advising commuters and residents to exercise caution.
Weakening System and Preemptive Holiday Mark Monsoon’s Active Phase
The current weather pattern is characterized by the active Northeast Monsoon, which is the primary driver of the widespread rainfall. The weakening of the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal offers some relief, as the system is no longer projected to develop into a low-pressure area that could have exacerbated the rainfall.
The intensity of the monsoon has already led to administrative action, with the Dharmapuri district administration declaring a holiday for all schools today as a precautionary measure against potential flooding and travel hazards.
