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Anticipating heavy rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has Chennai and its neighboring districts under a yellow alert. This warning, encompassing areas such as Kancheepuram and Chengalpet, forecasts significant downpours extending across several districts until November 12. Certain locations could see rainfall reaching up to 12 cm in a 24-hour period, signaling a wet week ahead for residents.
Attribution for the expected deluge goes to a cyclonic circulation over the south Bay of Bengal's central parts, which climbs to 3.1 km above sea level. This meteorological phenomenon, coupled with strengthening easterly winds, is set to unleash a torrent of rain over the region.
N. Senthamarai Kannan, the director of the regional weather forecasting center at IMD, detailed the cause of the expected rainfall, linking it to a north-south trough connected to the cyclonic circulation. Kannan predicts, "On Thursday, we anticipate moderate to heavy rainfall in certain areas of the city. Rain activity may continue for at least four days, though it may be lighter in intensity after Thursday. It is difficult to determine whether the rainfall will occur during the day or at night." This statement underscores the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the rainfall, but not its inevitability.
The upcoming 48 hours will see Chennai and its nearby areas grappling with moderate to heavy downpours, punctuated by thunderstorms and lightning. This wet spell will also bring partly cloudy skies, with the mercury hovering around 31-32 degrees Celsius during the day and dipping to 24-25 degrees Celsius at night.
Apart from Chennai, the IMD's forecast highlights isolated heavy rainfall in districts like Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and others including Villupuram and Cuddalore on Thursday. The heavy rain is expected to expand to districts such as Theni, Madurai, and Kanyakumari among others on Friday. The advisory underscores the breadth of the impending weather event, affecting not just urban centers but expansive rural areas as well.
Adding to the chorus of alerts, the IMD has issued warnings for significant rainfall in 15 coastal and delta districts on November 9 and 10, and in seven districts on November 12. This broad spectrum of alerts points to a widespread weather event that could impact large swathes of the region.
Weather blogger Pradeep John shared insights into the rainfall patterns, noting that Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur would see rain for the next two days before the weather system moves towards the southern coastal districts. John's commentary also hints at a return of morning rainfall across coastal areas stretching from Chennai to the delta region, suggesting a phased weather event with varying impacts across different locations.
As the city braces for the incoming weather, Wednesday's rainfall was a precursor, with 8 mm recorded at Ennore Port and a lighter shower of 1.5 mm at Nungambakkam by the evening. This initial rainfall sets the stage for what is forecasted to be a significantly wetter period ahead.
Chennai and its surrounding districts are on high alert for heavy rainfall, courtesy of a cyclonic circulation and associated meteorological factors. The coming days are expected to bring widespread rainfall, affecting numerous districts with varying intensity. Residents and authorities alike are on notice, preparing for the impact of this imminent weather event.
