Chennai, along with several other districts in Tamil Nadu, is bracing for a significant downpour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rainfall today, November 13, 2024. According to IMD forecasts, Chennai and eleven other districts are likely to experience intense rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
IMD Weather Warning: Districts Affected
The IMD has warned that besides Chennai, districts including Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, and Madurai are expected to see heavy rain throughout the day. Apart from Tamil Nadu, nearby regions such as Puducherry and Karaikal are also likely to witness thunderstorms and lightning due to this weather system.
School Holiday Due to Rain Alert
In response to the IMD’s heavy rainfall forecast, Chennai authorities declared a school holiday for Tuesday. However, no official word is yet on whether schools will remain closed today. Parents and students are advised to stay updated on announcements from local authorities regarding potential school closures in response to today’s weather.
Widespread Rainfall Forecast Across Southern India
The IMD has expanded the heavy rainfall alert to additional areas, including Kerala, Mahe, South Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The alert covers not only Tamil Nadu but also the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely to accompany the rainfall in these regions, with some areas at risk of particularly intense bursts of rain.
Chennai Weather Today: Temperature and Rainfall Projections
According to the latest bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai can expect moderate to heavy rainfall at intervals throughout the day, interspersed with thunderstorms and lightning. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 30°C, while the minimum temperature is projected to be between 24°C and 25°C.
On Tuesday, rainfall was recorded in several areas of Chennai, with notable precipitation in zones such as Perungudi, Alandur, Adyar, and Nandanam, where some stations reported rainfall levels between 8-10 cm.
Cause of Heavy Rainfall: Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal
The IMD attributes the ongoing heavy rainfall to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which formed a low-pressure system over the area on November 11. This system remained active through Tuesday, contributing to the heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and its surrounding regions. The low-pressure area extends up to 4.5 km above sea level, tilting southwestward with height, creating conducive conditions for continued rain today.
Safety and Advisory
Residents in Chennai and other affected districts are urged to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged areas, and monitor local news for updates on weather conditions. The public should also be vigilant regarding potential flooding and follow any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities.
With the rain forecast likely to persist through the day, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including avoiding travel in flood-prone areas, securing outdoor objects, and preparing for possible interruptions in transport services.