The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated weather warnings for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, issuing a significant orange alert for several coastal districts. This action comes in response to a developing deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which is poised to bring substantial rainfall to the region.
Districts Under High Alert
The weather agency has placed four Tamil Nadu districts—Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore—along with the Puducherry and Karaikal areas under an orange alert. This level of warning signifies that authorities and residents should prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. The alert is particularly active for January 10, 2026, with conditions expected to persist into the next day.
Simultaneously, a broader yellow alert has been issued for a wider swath of the state. This includes the capital city of Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. Other districts under the yellow alert are Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram. The IMD has also cautioned about the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today.
System Location and Expected Impact
The core of the weather system, a deep depression, was recently centred near latitude 8.5°N and longitude 82.2°E. Its position places it approximately 100 km north-northeast of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, and about 550 km south-southeast of Chennai. This proximity to the coast is the primary driver behind the intense weather predictions.
Beyond the heavy precipitation, the IMD forecasts strong surface winds reaching speeds of 35-45 kmph along Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Karaikal area. These conditions are a direct result of the atmospheric instability caused by the deep depression.
Preparedness and Forecast
The prevailing weather pattern is expected to unleash its full force on January 10, with isolated areas likely to experience heavy to very heavy downpours. While the intensity may slightly reduce, heavy rainfall is still forecast at isolated places over the region on January 11.
Residents in the affected districts, especially those under the orange alert, are advised to exercise caution. The warnings highlight risks of waterlogging, disruption to daily life, and potential damage from strong winds. Local authorities are likely monitoring the situation closely to manage any emergent challenges from this significant weather event in the Bay of Bengal.
