Weather ALERT for Dec 4: Heavy rain to lash Tamil Nadu, Kerala and AP; North India gripped by dense fog
New Delhi/Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert for December 4, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and squally winds across large parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, even as North India battles dense fog and plunging temperatures.
An orange alert remains in place for seven Tamil Nadu districts—Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Coimbatore—as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah continue to drive intense rainfall over the region. The weakened system, now a low-pressure area near the TN coast, has kept the monsoon active for a second straight day.
Chennai Waterlogged as Rains Persist
Chennai and its neighbouring districts woke up to steady rain, aggravating waterlogging in arterial stretches, residential pockets and low-lying neighbourhoods. Traffic slowed through the morning rush as pumps were deployed in frequently inundated zones.
Two days of continuous downpour have already disrupted movement across Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and parts of North Chennai, officials said.
Wind And Sea Warnings for Dec 4
The IMD advisory for Wednesday cautions of:
- Squally winds at 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, over the Arabian Sea and off the Kerala coast.
- Thunderstorms with lightning across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
- An ocean currents alert along the Chennai coast—from Palavakkam to Lakshmipuram Odaikuppam—with currents expected at 1.4–1.5 m/sec until 7 pm.
- Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea.
School & University Closures
Schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram remained closed on Dec 3 due to overnight rain and extensive waterlogging. Semester examinations at Madras University and Anna University were postponed.
While no official announcement has been made for Dec 4, authorities said decisions will depend on rainfall intensity through the day.
Rain to Continue Till Dec 5
The IMD expects widespread rain, thunderstorms and lightning over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until December 5, with heavy spells likely along coastal belts and hilly Ghat sections.
Parts of Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are also set to receive moderate to heavy showers, the agency said.
North India Faces Fog, Frost and Sub-Zero Chill
Even as the South remains rain-soaked, North India is experiencing a marked drop in temperatures. Hilly states reported fresh snowfall, with several locations slipping below 0°C.
Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh recorded a sharp rise in cold conditions, impacting early-morning mobility. Delhi-NCR was blanketed in dense fog, reducing visibility and slowing traffic.
Bihar And Jharkhand Outlook
Bihar will see dense fog in the morning and evening for the next two days, though a full-fledged cold wave is not expected yet. Night temperatures are set to fall gradually, supported by 30 km/h westerly winds.
Neighbouring Jharkhand will witness a 3–4°C temperature dip over the next three days, with cold-wave-like conditions in the mornings. Cloudy skies are likely from December 7, influenced by northern snowfall.