Tamil Nadu rainfall is expected to continue today, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast across parts of the state as weather systems influence the north and western districts. The Chennai Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate rain in districts adjoining the Western Ghats and in northern Tamil Nadu, while Nilgiris is likely to receive heavy rain.
The forecast comes after intense rainfall in parts of Chennai and its suburbs. Chennai’s Kappakkam and Parrys areas recorded 15 cm of rain each on the previous day, while Manali Puthunagar and Manali recorded 14 cm each, according to the centre’s director, V R Durai.
The weather office said Chennai and its suburban areas are likely to remain cloudy, with moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in some places. Rainfall is also expected in districts adjoining the Western Ghats and northern Tamil Nadu, while Nilgiris may experience heavy rain, lightning and strong winds.
The current weather pattern is linked partly to Cyclone Murasu, which was located over the south Andhra coast region on the previous evening. The system was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur by early today. The meteorological centre said heavy rain in Chennai and other northern districts is expected to gradually decline after the system moves inland.
A separate atmospheric circulation is prevailing near southern Kerala, according to the weather office. Officials have also said that low-pressure areas formed during the north-east monsoon can intensify into cyclones. Storms forming in October generally move towards Andhra Pradesh, while those developing in November more often approach Tamil Nadu, the report said.
Tamil Nadu received 22 cm of rain between October 1 and November 1, compared with a normal average of 19 cm for the period. The reported rainfall is therefore 18 per cent above normal. Officials attributed part of the disruption in the north-east monsoon rainfall pattern to winds from the south-east. They said rainfall could increase again after November 15 if the wind pattern changes, while another spell of heavy rain may begin after November 7.
The forecast has already affected local administration. Cuddalore district authorities declared a holiday for schools in Cuddalore taluk today because of heavy rain. Colleges in the taluk will function as usual, according to the order reported by Dinamalar.
The combination of intense short-duration rain, thunderstorms and strong winds presents immediate operational challenges for urban areas, including road movement, drainage response and school transport. The meteorological centre’s next forecasts and district-level administrative orders will determine how public services respond as the weather systems move away and the monsoon pattern evolves.
