In a notable shift, the Regional Meteorological Centre has revised its weather forecast for Chennai and surrounding districts, downgrading the heavy to very heavy rainfall alert to a heavy rain warning for Wednesday. The new forecast indicates that while heavy rain is expected at isolated locations in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts, the threat of severe rainfall has significantly reduced. A more widespread light to moderate rain is expected over several parts of North Coastal Tamil Nadu and isolated areas in other regions, including Puducherry and Karaikal.
Earlier predictions had anticipated very heavy rainfall across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts, with additional heavy rain warnings for Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. However, the situation has now stabilised, as the low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked system, which is expected to move towards the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts in the coming 24 hours. This shift in the system has led to the easing of alerts, particularly for Thursday, when light to moderate rain is expected to prevail over North Coastal Tamil Nadu and isolated locations across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
In terms of recent rainfall, areas in Virudhunagar district such as Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, and Watrap recorded substantial rainfall, with totals of 9 cm, 7 cm, and 5 cm respectively. Since the onset of the monsoon on October 1, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have collectively received 56.5 cm of rainfall, which is 35% above the average for this period. This spike in rainfall highlights the intensity of the season and reflects shifting climate patterns that are becoming more pronounced in the region.
From a sustainability perspective, the recent spate of rainfall provides an opportunity to consider better urban planning practices for managing flood risks and enhancing drainage systems. Urban areas, particularly Chennai, need to prepare for more extreme weather events, given the increasing frequency of heavy rains. Sustainable infrastructure improvements, including better stormwater management and flood prevention measures, are crucial in mitigating the impact of such climatic events. As the city continues to grow, integrating nature-based solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and increased green cover, will play an essential role in ensuring resilience to future weather disruptions.
