CHENNAI: Heavy monsoon rains may return to the city and north Tamil Nadu as IMD has issued an orange alert (heavy to very heavy rainfall) for Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Villupuram on Wednesday.
The city and its three neighbours were also issued a yellow alert (heavy rain) on Tuesday and Thursday. A low pressure, which formed over Bay of Bengal on Monday, is likely to move towards Tamil Nadu in the next two days after intensifying and bring heavy spells to north coastal districts from Chennai to Nagapattinam and adjoining districts between Dec 17 and 19.
“On Tuesday, the city and the suburbs are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over some areas. The sky may be partly cloudy. Maximum temperature may be at 29°C-30°C and minimum temperature 22°C-23°C,” an IMD bulletin said. Blogger Pradeep John said the low pressure may not bring any rain to central and south coastal districts which experienced downpour last week.
“Heavy rain will be pushed to Chennai if there is a delay in the incoming westerly trough. If the trough comes on time, it will push heavy rainfall away from the city,” he said in one of his posts.
The rain activity may further push rain records in the city, which has 98 cm in Nungambakkam and 96 cm in Meenambakkam, 18cm and 17 cm excess.
Since Oct 1, Chennai recorded 97 cm, around 28% excess. TN recorded 56 cm, around 37% excess. Except for Tuticorin, which has a 2% deficit, all other districts recorded excess rainfall.
