Heavy rain forecast for Chennai as Cyclone Ditwah forms in Bay of Bengal

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Chennai as the northeast monsoon strengthens across Tamil Nadu. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for several districts, including Chennai, along with thunderstorms. Day temperatures are expected to remain around 29°C, with the minimum likely to fall to about 23°C.

Deep depression in Bay of Bengal likely to strengthen into Cyclone Ditwah

According to the IMD, a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is continuing to organise. The system is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm named Cyclone Ditwah. Its north-northwestward movement near Sri Lanka is likely to influence weather across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast over the coming days.

Chennai to see fluctuating rainfall from 28 November to 3 December

The city is expected to experience varied rainfall intensity, beginning with partly cloudy skies and moderate showers or thunderstorms on 28 November. Heavy rainfall is forecast on 29 and 30 November as the system edges closer to the coast. Conditions are predicted to gradually ease between 1 and 3 December, although intermittent showers may continue.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh issues alerts as rainfall set to rise for six days

In coastal Andhra Pradesh, authorities have issued warnings as the weather system is expected to increase rainfall and wind speeds along the shoreline over the next six days. Vizag Cyclone Warning Centre Officer Jagannath Kumar stated that both northern and southern coastal districts will see rainfall patterns ranging from isolated to widespread, accompanied by thunderstorms and strengthening squally winds. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Northern and southern coastal districts to see varying rainfall patterns

Kumar noted that northern coastal Andhra Pradesh will initially see dry conditions, followed by isolated rain, then scattered showers and eventually widespread rainfall from the fourth to the sixth days of the system’s progression. Rainfall is expected to reduce to scattered intensity by the seventh day. Southern coastal districts are forecast to see a similar trend, with widespread rainfall likely during the mid-period before gradually decreasing.

Thunderstorms and squally winds expected along Andhra coast

The IMD has stated that thunderstorms with lightning are likely across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema between the second and fifth days of the system. Squally winds of 35–45 kmph are expected along the south Andhra coast, with wind speeds likely to increase further as the depression intensifies.

Punjab may face cold wave conditions amid western disturbance

The IMD has indicated that parts of Punjab may experience cold wave conditions. A western disturbance over central Pakistan and adjoining areas is creating a cyclone-like pattern over southwest Rajasthan, although no significant changes are expected across northwest India. No major rainfall or snowfall is forecast for the Himalayan region over the next week.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala under red alert for 28 and 29 November

For southern India, the IMD has stated that rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to the deepening depression over the Bay of Bengal. Red alerts have been issued for 28 and 29 November as the system continues to intensify, bringing the likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in some areas.

(With ANI iputs)