Bay of Bengal Braces for Cyclonic Storm; Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu
IMD warns of a cyclonic storm forming in the Bay of Bengal by Oct 26, bringing heavy rain to Tamil Nadu and moving toward Andhra Pradesh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding the formation of a cyclonic storm Bay of Bengal, expected to develop by October 26. A well-marked low-pressure area over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified on Saturday morning and is projected to follow a specific trajectory toward the coast.
The Path of the Storm
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, the weather system is expected to evolve rapidly. The current low-pressure area is likely to intensify into a depression and move in a west-northwest direction. By October 25, it is expected to strengthen into a deep depression, eventually becoming a full-fledged cyclonic storm on October 26. The system is then likely to move toward the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28.
Heavy Rainfall Lashing Tamil Nadu
The northeast monsoon has already been vigorous across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. In the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning, several regions witnessed significant rainfall:
- Nilgiris District: Burliyar recorded the highest rainfall at 250 mm, while Kil-Kotagiri Estate saw 200 mm and Coonoor recorded 170 mm.
- Coimbatore District: Algarai Estate received 160 mm and Mettupalayam recorded 150 mm.
- Other Regions: Natham (Dindigul), Navallur Kottapattu (Tiruchirappalli), and Pudukkottai each recorded 110 mm, while Arani and Palani saw 100 mm each.
Detailed Forecast for the Coming Days
Saturday, October 24
The IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall at isolated spots in the Nilgiris, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in districts including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, and Coimbatore, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram are also likely to see heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Sunday, October 25
Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for Theni, Dindigul, and Madurai. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected across a wide stretch, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Sivaganga, and Karaikal.
Monday, October 26 and Beyond
On October 26, heavy to very heavy rain is likely in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai, with heavy showers continuing in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu. By October 27, isolated heavy rain is expected in Ramanathapuram, while other southern districts will see moderate rain. By October 28, the weather is expected to turn predominantly dry, except for light to moderate rain in southern Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Weather Update
For residents of Chennai and its suburbs, the weather will remain volatile:
- Saturday: Partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range between 24–25°C (minimum) and 30–31°C (maximum).
- Sunday: Partly cloudy skies with the possibility of moderate to heavy rain. Temperatures are expected to be between 24–25°C and 31–32°C.
The IMD noted that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are likely to remain near normal until October 28.