Chennai experienced significant rainfall overnight, prompting district authorities to declare a holiday for schools today, prioritising the safety of students amid unpredictable weather. District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade took swift action, announcing the closure as a preventive measure. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast additional heavy rainfall, issuing a yellow alert to multiple districts across Tamil Nadu over the next few days. Chennai, along with the neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet, is anticipated to experience rainfall levels ranging from 6 cm to 12 cm within 24 hours as a low-pressure system moves across the southwest Bay of Bengal, expected to reach the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka region soon.
Over the next 48 hours, the IMD predicts moderate to heavy rainfall in Chennai and surrounding areas, accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional lightning. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to peak between 32°C and 33°C, while nighttime lows will hover around 25°C. The IMD bulletin has emphasised the risk for those living in coastal areas from Tiruvallur to Ramanathapuram, as these areas will likely bear the brunt of the adverse weather conditions beginning today. Residents in these districts are being advised to stay alert, with further warnings of the heavy rain potentially spreading inland on the 13th of November.
The rainfall statistics highlight a unique climatic pattern for Chennai and the state as a whole this season. Since October, Chennai has registered a cumulative rainfall of 43 cm, recording around a 1% surplus in precipitation. Tamil Nadu’s overall rainfall for the same period has reached 26 cm, also showing a slight surplus. These figures underscore the challenges posed by shifting weather patterns and the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure, especially as Chennai has previously faced major disruptions from seasonal rains, raising concerns over preparedness and urban planning.
As heavy rains intensify, Chennai’s civic infrastructure faces a stress test, highlighting the importance of sustainable urban planning. Measures such as improved drainage systems, flood prevention initiatives, and resilient civic structures are essential to mitigate the impacts of such unpredictable weather. In the wake of the current weather alerts, this situation underscores the need for proactive and sustainable planning to ensure cities like Chennai can cope with seasonal extremes and protect residents from recurring weather disruptions.
