Chennai and neighbouring districts could receive another spell of rain until Monday morning as changing wind patterns linked to a developing cyclonic circulation are expected to draw moisture towards the north Tamil Nadu coast, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. The forecast comes as the system associated with Cyclone Arnab and a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea is expected to influence wind movement over the region.
Weather models cited in the report are not indicating significant rainfall over Chennai. However, the prevailing wind pattern could still support rain across the Chennai-Thiruvallur-Kanchipuram-Chengalpattu region, as well as Ranipet and Vellore. Weather forecasters said rain could be more likely during the night and early morning hours as easterly winds carry moisture inland from the sea.
Monday morning may be the last opportunity for Chennai to receive appreciable rainfall before a likely break in northeast monsoon activity, according to the weather forecasts cited by the newspaper. The expected shift in circulation could move the system towards the Bay of Bengal, off the north Tamil Nadu coast, by Monday.
The wind direction is expected to vary across Tamil Nadu. Easterly winds are likely along the northern flank of the circulation, from Cuddalore to Chennai, while southern districts could experience westerly winds. The interaction between these wind flows is expected to influence rainfall distribution across the state.
Several central interior and coastal districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall. The areas listed in the report include Kallakurichi, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Erode, Namakkal, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Pudukkottai and Sivaganga.
The Delta region and adjoining districts, including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai, could also receive heavy rain because of wind convergence. In southern Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Theni and Tenkasi may see additional rainfall as westerly winds strengthen.
The hill stations of Kodaikanal and Coonoor also warrant attention. The report said easterly winds could become trapped against the hill slopes, potentially triggering heavy rainfall in those areas. For Chennai and the wider northern Tamil Nadu region, the immediate operational concern will be whether the forecast rain remains scattered or becomes concentrated enough to affect roads, low-lying areas and early-morning travel.
The next significant forecast window is Monday morning, when the circulation is expected to move closer to the Bay of Bengal and northeast monsoon activity over Chennai may temporarily weaken.
