Tamil Nadu braced for heavy rains until January 17th

Tamil Nadu braced for heavy rains until January 17th
  • Wet weather to persist until January 16th.
  • Yellow alert issued for heavy rainfall during Pongal.
  • Delta and southern districts to be heavily impacted.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a yellow weather alert for Tamil Nadu, warning of continued wet weather conditions until January 17th. The alert is a direct result of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to induce heavy rainfall across various parts of the state. This weather system will significantly impact different regions at varying times, starting with the delta districts and northern interior areas, and progressively moving southwards. The intensity of the rainfall is expected to peak around Pongal, a major harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, causing significant disruption to the festivities if the projections hold true. The timing of this weather system brings a particular concern for those who are planning on travel during this period.

The predicted rainfall pattern displays a clear progression. On Sunday and Monday, the northern delta districts—including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai—will experience the brunt of the heavy rainfall, with projections of up to 12 centimeters in some areas. Simultaneously, the northern interior districts like Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai will also receive heavy downpours on Monday. The weather system will then gradually shift south, affecting South Tamil Nadu on January 14th and 15th. Districts such as Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Ramanathapuram are expected to be the hardest hit during these days. Even Chennai is predicted to receive light to moderate showers on Sunday, but the intensity is expected to be less severe compared to other parts of the state.

The RMC has clarified that the rainfall intensity and coverage are anticipated to decrease from January 16th onwards. However, the official announcement of the Northeast monsoon's retreat will only be made once enhanced rainfall activity across the entire state ceases completely. This cautious approach highlights the uncertainties inherent in weather forecasting, and the potential for lingering effects even after the initial intensity subsides. The Director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre, P. Senthamarai Kannan, emphasized the increasing intensity and broader coverage of rainfall as the weather system progresses. The RMC will continue monitoring for the development of any further weather systems throughout the remainder of January. This ongoing monitoring underlines the importance of staying informed and taking precautions even as the current system seems to be weakening.

While the overall rainfall in Tamil Nadu has been minimal so far this month, some districts have already experienced significant precipitation. For instance, Tirunelveli district has received nearly 6 cm of rainfall, substantially exceeding its average of 1.5 cm up to January 11th. This disparity indicates the localized impact of the weather patterns, as some regions may face intense downpours while others experience less significant rainfall. The minimum temperatures across the state are, however, projected to increase throughout the week, offering some respite from the potentially cold conditions associated with heavy rainfall. The contrast between increasing temperatures and continued wet weather makes the situation a complex one, requiring a multifaceted approach to preparedness and response.

The implications of this extended period of wet weather are far-reaching. Agricultural activities could be significantly impacted, particularly the harvesting of crops. Transportation networks might face disruptions due to flooding or road closures. Furthermore, the heavy rainfall during Pongal could dampen the festive spirit and pose challenges to the usual celebrations. Authorities and individuals must be prepared for potential disruptions and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks. Staying informed about weather updates from reliable sources such as the RMC is crucial for effective preparedness and response during this period of intense rainfall. The ongoing monitoring of the situation by meteorological agencies is essential to provide timely warnings and guidance to the population.

Source: Wet weather to continue over State till January 17; yellow alert issued

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