Tamil Nadu weather Jan 12: Heavy rain alert for 7 districts, Chennai under cloud cover

Chennai: Tamil Nadu is witnessing an unusual continuation of monsoon-like rainfall into January, a phenomenon considered rare after the end of November. After nearly a month of predominantly dry conditions, rainfall activity resumed in early January, bringing cloudy skies and intermittent showers across several parts of the state.

According to the Chennai Meteorological Department, an atmospheric lower-level circulation currently prevails over southern coastal Tamil Nadu and the adjoining Gulf of Mannar. This system is the remnant of a low-pressure area that earlier lay over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the northeast coast of Sri Lanka.

The system moved west-northwestwards, crossed near Mullaitivu on January 10, weakened gradually, and by the morning of January 11, persisted as a low-pressure area over southern coastal Tamil Nadu and the Gulf of Mannar before further weakening.

As a result, light to moderate rainfall is likely at a few places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal today. Importantly, heavy rain is expected at one or two places in seven districts — Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai, along with Karaikal. An orange alert has been issued for these regions, urging residents to remain cautious.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy. Light to moderate rain may occur in parts of the city and its suburbs. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 25–26°C, while the minimum temperature may stay between 22–23°C.

Weather conditions in South Tamil Nadu remain similar, with limited sunshine during afternoon hours and overcast conditions dominating the rest of the day. From January 13, rainfall intensity is expected to gradually reduce, with dry weather likely to prevail from January 15 to 17 across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

The department has also issued a warning to fishermen, stating that squally winds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely over Tamil Nadu coastal areas, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin region on January 11 and 12. No warnings are in place beyond January 13.

Residents in coastal and delta districts are advised to stay alert and follow official advisories.