Chennai and several neighbouring districts witnessed torrential rainfall on Monday, triggered by the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, which has now weakened into a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. The downpour led to waterlogging across major roads, highways, and low-lying areas.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the weather system was moving slowly at around 3 kmph, and as of Monday morning, it was positioned 50 km east of Chennai, remaining close to Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, said the system is likely to weaken into a depression within 12 hours while staying close to the shoreline.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast for Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast:
- Heavy rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu
- Heavy rainfall in south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema
Wind speeds along the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh are expected to gradually reduce from 70 kmph to 60 kmph over the next 24 hours.
Private weather forecaster Pradeep John (Tamil Nadu Weatherman) warned that rapidly developing cloud formations could cause sudden and intense rainfall, making conditions unpredictable.
Rainfall activity is expected to continue through Tuesday morning due to the proximity of the weather system.
North India to Face Harsher Winter, IMD Warns
The IMD has issued a major winter advisory, predicting below-normal temperatures from December to February across:
- Punjab, Haryana, Delhi
- Madhya Pradesh, east & north Maharashtra
- Gujarat regions
- Rajasthan (east & southeast)
- West & south Uttar Pradesh
- Telangana
Many states may see 4–5 additional cold wave days, meaning December alone could record 3–6 cold wave days, far above usual levels.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that while night temperatures will drop sharply in many regions, some areas in northwest and northeast India may experience higher-than-normal daytime temperatures.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
