Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rains for the next four days in Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.  A low-pressure area over the southern parts of the central Bay of Bengal (BoB) is set to intensify, causing heavy rainfall and disrupting normal life across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai.

The Weather Department has issued an orange alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukkottai districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather system, supported by cyclonic circulation up to mid-tropospheric levels, is expected to move west-northwestwards and reach the southwest BoB by December 11.  

Coastal areas are bracing for potential flooding as heavy rains are forecast, particularly between December 11 and 12. The system has evolved into a Well-Marked Low-Pressure Area and is likely to continue intensifying.  

The RMC stated that during the northeast monsoon (October 1 to December 10), Tamil Nadu recorded 14 per cent excess rainfall, receiving 447 mm against the average of 393 mm. Chennai recorded 845 mm, which is 16 per cent above the average, while Coimbatore witnessed 47 per cent above-average rainfall.

Heavy rains predicted across Tamil Nadu  

The IMD predicts widespread rainfall in Tamil Nadu, with heavy to very heavy downpours at isolated places.

On December 11, districts like Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal in Puducherry are expected to bear the brunt.  

Chennai and other districts, including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram, are also likely to experience heavy rain at isolated locations.  

The associated upper-air cyclonic circulation extends up to mid-tropospheric levels and is expected to move towards the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts within 24 hours.  

Between December 12 and 13, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in the Cauvery delta areas and the central, western, northern, and southern parts of Tamil Nadu.

Warning to fishermen

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from December 11 to 13 due to rough weather conditions.  

Residents in the affected regions are urged to remain alert and take precautions to ensure safety as heavy rains and flood-like conditions pose challenges to daily life.