Heavy rainfall to continue across T.N. till October 23

Widespread rainfall, with heavy spells lashed many districts, including in northern parts of the State, overnight on Friday. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a yellow alert to several districts of the State indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall till October 23.

With Northeast monsoon in its active phase, intense rainfall had lashed many parts of the State. In the 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, nearly 84 weather stations had reported heavy rainfall. Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram recorded the heaviest rainfall of 15 cm in the State followed by various weather stations in Kallakurichi, Perambalur and Tiruvannamalai and Chennai.

On Saturday, many places, including Kodaikanal, Ennore port in Chennai, Palani and Manapparai in Tiruchi, received light to moderate rainfall up to four cm till 7.30 p.m.

The downpour over the past two days has aided in reducing the State’s rainfall deficit this month to 3%, which is considered to fall under normal rainfall category.

The prevailing upper air cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh is sustaining intense rain spell over many parts of the State. The RMC has issued yellow alert for 17 districts, particularly north and interior districts, including Cuddalore and Tiruchi. Chennai and neighbouring districts may also receive intense rainfall on October 18 and 19.

Various places in the State are likely to experience moderate rainfall with thunderstorm and lightning for the next few days, according to RMC.

V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said many water-stressed delta and interior districts would continue to receive heavy rainfall till October 23. Isolated very heavy rainfall up to 20.4 cm may occur in districts along the western ghats, including Nilgiris and Theni on October 20.

The RMC expects rainfall intensity in the State to reduce after October 25. A new weather system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around last week of October. But weather models indicate that the system may move northwestwards towards Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast pulling away moisture from Tamil Nadu, he said.

Chennai may experience moderate rainfall, which may be heavy at times, in some areas on Sunday. The maximum temperature may be around 32-33 degrees Celsius in the city.