Tamil Nadu, particularly its southern districts and Western Ghats regions, is set to experience a significant respite from the relentless rainfall that has characterised the past week.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has indicated a notable weakening of the southwest monsoon, signalling a dry spell for at least the next ten days. While areas like Nilgiris, Ghat regions of Coimbatore, and southern districts including Theni, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari, and Tirunelveli have been inundated due to the orographic effect, this impending lull offers a crucial window for recovery and preparedness. This meteorological shift highlights the dynamic nature of urban resilience in the face of climatic variability, underscoring the continuous need for adaptable infrastructure and community readiness for a truly sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The preceding week witnessed an intense and unprecedented wet spell across these aforementioned regions. Chinnakalar in Coimbatore district recorded a staggering 13 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, closely followed by Nalumukku and Oothu in Tirunelveli district, and Valparai in Coimbatore, each registering 12 cm. This substantial precipitation, while replenishing critical water bodies and offering a much-needed boost to agricultural prospects, also raised concerns about potential landslides and waterlogging in the hilly terrains, prompting authorities to issue advisories for caution. Such high rainfall events underscore the vulnerability of urban and semi-urban areas to the increasing intensity of extreme weather phenomena. According to RMC meteorologists, the reason for this impending pause in monsoon activity is the weakening of the weather system over the Bay of Bengal. This atmospheric shift has significantly reduced the intensity of rainfall across the entire state. With the system losing its impetus, drier conditions are expected to prevail over most parts of Tamil Nadu in the coming days, offering a crucial window of opportunity for communities to recover from the saturated conditions and for local authorities to assess and address any immediate infrastructure concerns.
In contrast to the heavy downpours in the south, the northern parts of Tamil Nadu experienced a more subdued rainfall pattern over the last 24 hours. Tiruttani recorded a modest 23 mm of rain until 7:30 PM on Friday. Chennai, the state capital, also received moderate showers, with Nungambakkam registering 25 mm and Meenambakkam 19.5 mm of rainfall. While these lighter showers provided some relief from the prevailing heat, they were not of the same intensity as those witnessed in the southern districts, highlighting the regional disparities in monsoon activity that are characteristic of India’s diverse climatic zones. This anticipated break in the monsoon, expected to last for over a week, presents a critical opportunity for the public and local administrations alike. Weather experts are urging residents to utilise this drier period to prepare diligently for the subsequent active phase of the monsoon, which is expected to resume around mid-June. This includes clearing drains, securing vulnerable structures, and reviewing emergency plans. For civic bodies, this period is vital for undertaking preventative maintenance, desilting operations, and strengthening urban drainage systems to minimise the impact of future heavy rainfall events.
The focus must remain on building resilient urban infrastructure and fostering community-level preparedness, essential elements in the quest for zero-net carbon, equitable, and sustainable cities that can effectively manage climatic variations and protect their inhabitants.
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