Tamil Nadu Braces for Intense Rainfall as Low-Pressure System Nears; Chennai, Coastal Districts on High Alert
Several areas of Tamil Nadu, including the state capital, Chennai are likely to experience “heavy to very heavy” rainfall from Sunday – courtesy a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal. Four districts, namely Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Karaikal (puducherry region), have been issued an orange alert by the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 16: According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, four districts, including Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Karaikal area of Puducherry received an orange warning indicating prospects of 12 to 20 cm extra heavy rainfall on Sunday. Five other districts — including Ramanathapuram — are likely to receive heavy rain as well.
RMC Highlights Atmospheric Factors Behind Weather Shift
On Sunday, the Indian Meteorological Department predicted light to moderate rain in some places of Tamil Nadu and Chennai. A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, adjacent to the coast of Sri Lanka, begins the forecast process. RMC has predicted light to moderate rain in some areas of Chennai on Sunday.
B. Amudha, Head RMC, said, “Various atmospheric factors, including winds over the oceans, are analysed to predict intensification of weather systems and atmospheric dynamics keep changing. Cloud band movement will determine the areas that will receive heavy rainfall,” regarding the rainfall alert.
Increased Rain Predictions
Since October 1, the State has received almost 26 cm of rainfall, compared to its seasonal average of 28 cm. Rainfall figures are anticipated to increase due to the monsoon, which is forecast to intensify. Light to moderate rain is expected on Monday in a number of locations around the coastal region and in a few isolated areas in the interior of Tamil Nadu. Six districts, including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tirunelveli, are under an orange alert.
On Monday, nine districts—including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, and the Karaikal area—are predicted to experience heavy rainfall. On Tuesday, eight northern districts—including Chennai, Villupuram, and Puducherry—may continue to see heavy rain. According to the RMC's projection, severe rainfall will only occur in Coimbatore's Nilgiris and ghat regions on November 19, while sporadic rainfall will persist throughout the state until November 21.
School Closures Dependent on Overnight Conditions
Each area is encouraged to do a ground-level evaluation late tonight because there has been no formal notification of the holiday. The safety of students comes first, and schools in some districts might need to close if roads and rain worsen.
All parents are suggested to watch local notification about schools in your district and or collector's office at the date of reporting as weather is unpredictable. The next twelve hours shall decide whether the schools in Tamil Nadu will remain open or be shut down.
