A deep depression brewing over the southwest Bay of Bengal is set to bring significant rainfall to Chennai and several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu this weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts, predicting heavy to very heavy downpours starting Saturday.
Weekend Weather Alert: Districts Under Watch
The IMD has placed Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram under a yellow alert for January 10 and 11. This indicates the likelihood of heavy rainfall between 6 to 12 centimetres within a 24-hour period. The forecast suggests that Saturday will see moderate to heavy rainfall in some areas of the city and its suburbs.
However, the most intense rain activity is expected to be concentrated over the delta region. The districts of Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore are under an orange alert, warning of very heavy rainfall ranging from 12 to 20 centimetres.
System's Path and Expected Impact
As of Friday evening, the weather system was located approximately 590 kilometres south-southeast of Chennai. It is predicted to move in a northwesterly direction and cross the northern coast of Sri Lanka, between Trincomalee and Jaffna, around Saturday afternoon.
Apart from Chennai and its neighbouring districts, the depression is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several other coastal areas on Saturday. The affected districts include:
- Villupuram
- Kallakurichi
- Ariyalur
- Thanjavur
- Pudukkottai
- Ramanathapuram
By Sunday, the heavy rain activity is likely to become confined to the northern districts of the state.
Temperature Drop and a 'Rare' System
The IMD bulletin states that generally cloudy skies will pull down day temperatures in Chennai to around 27-28°C on Saturday. Night temperatures, however, are expected to remain warm at approximately 24°C.
On Friday, the city experienced cloudy skies with light drizzles in a few areas. The Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam weather observatories recorded only traces of rainfall. Commenting on the development, noted weather blogger Pradeep John described the system as 'rare'. He added that the deep depression is likely to weaken and fizzle out after crossing Sri Lanka, potentially leading to isolated rain spells on Monday.
Residents in the alerted districts are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and exercise caution while travelling during the period of heavy rainfall.
