A deep depression, the lingering remnant of Cyclone Ditwah, has taken a concerning turn over the southwest Bay of Bengal, shifting southeast and moving perilously close to India's eastern coastline. This development has forced the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for four northern districts of Tamil Nadu, warning of severe weather conditions.
IMD Issues Severe Weather Warning
On Tuesday, the IMD raised alarms for Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall until 10 am. The weather system was positioned at a minimum distance of approximately 35 km from the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts. According to the meteorological department, the system is very likely to recurve slowly southwestwards and weaken into a depression within the next 12 hours.
Intense Rainfall Batters North and Central Chennai
The proximity of the system has already unleashed significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Data reveals that Nungambakkam recorded 17.1 cm of rain, leading the tally. It was closely followed by Ennore with 16.6 cm, Puzhal with 15 cm, and Nandanam with 12 cm. South Chennai remained relatively less affected, with Meenambakkam receiving 8.5 cm of rainfall.
Noted weather blogger Pradeep John, known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, explained that the system remained close to the Chennai coast for nearly a full day, resulting in the intense downpour over parts of Chennai and Tiruvallur. He predicted that it is expected to linger near the coast for another 18 hours before making landfall. "It is expected to remain close to the Chennai coast for the next 18 hours and then cross the coast south of Chennai around the Kalpakkam belt this evening or night as a weakened system," John stated.
Wider Rainfall Impact Across Region
John further elaborated that since the system did not move north of Chennai's latitude, cloud bands continued to stream over the city, sustaining the rainfall. Looking ahead, he indicated that moderate rainfall is likely over several other districts including Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Pudukkottai, and the Delta districts. Isolated pockets in Puducherry, Cuddalore, and Villupuram may also experience showers. Districts like Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai are expected to receive rain once the system finally makes landfall.
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities and residents in the red alert zones advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with the latest forecasts from the IMD. The focus is now on the system's predicted landfall as a weakened depression and the resultant rainfall pattern across the state.
