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The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a weather alert indicating that several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul, are set to experience heavy rainfall from May 7 to May 10. This forecast also extends to light and moderate showers, thunderstorms, and lightning across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, predicting a slight drop in temperatures across these regions over the coming days. Additionally, moderate thunderstorms with showers are expected in parts of Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts.
In Chennai and its suburbs, intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds was recorded, affecting areas like Egmore, Perambur, Nungambakkam, Meenambakkam, Triplicane, Tondiarpet, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Velachery, Ambattur, and Avadi with moderate to heavy showers. Specifically, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded rainfall of 11 mm and 8 mm, respectively, on Sunday (May 4). The weather department has identified a north-south trough stretching from a cyclonic circulation over northern Gangetic West Bengal to north coastal Andhra Pradesh, which is anticipated to bring light to moderate rain, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the following days.
Impact of Recent Weather Patterns
The impact of recent weather conditions on Tamil Nadu has been significant, with the state receiving 14 per cent more rainfall than average during the recent northeast monsoon, amounting to 447 mm against the usual 393 mm. Chennai experienced a 16 per cent increase in rainfall, receiving a total of 845 mm, while Coimbatore saw a remarkable 47 per cent rise compared to its average. These statistics highlight the unusual weather patterns affecting the region.
Furthermore, the recent Cyclone Fengal, which hit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 29 and December 1, had a devastating impact. The cyclone, which brought torrential rains, resulted in the loss of 12 lives, inundated over 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, and affected around 69 lakh families, impacting nearly 1.5 crore people in total. As a response to this calamity, the Centre has allocated an additional Rs 522.34 crore in relief aid to Tamil Nadu, with Puducherry receiving Rs 33.06 crore as part of the central relief package.
Forecast and Preparations
In anticipation of the forecasted weather conditions, residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potential heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Met Department's warning of impending heavy showers in some southern and delta districts, including Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, underscores the need for caution. Isolated areas in these regions may experience significant downpours, adding to the urgency for preparedness and vigilance.
Meteorological experts suggest that the current weather system may move towards Odisha and West Bengal, with winds being pulled in from the land. This shift could influence weather patterns in the coming days, further emphasizing the importance of staying informed about the latest weather updates and advisories.
As Tamil Nadu and Puducherry brace for the predicted weather conditions, it's crucial for residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. The recent experiences with Cyclone Fengal and the excess rainfall during the northeast monsoon season highlight the unpredictable nature of weather in the region and the importance of preparedness.
