After a brief respite, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for the return of rains, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicting heavy showers in isolated places, particularly in the delta districts. The RMC, Chennai, issued a weather alert, indicating widespread rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the coming days. This is due to a low-pressure area persisting over the southwestern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining southeastern Bay, influencing weather conditions across the southern peninsula.
The Met Department forecasts intermittent light to moderate rain in several districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 13 and 17. The delta belt, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, along with Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Kallakurichi, may experience heavy rain at isolated locations during this period.
Specifically, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai districts are likely to experience intense showers. Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram districts, as well as Karaikal, could experience heavy spells in one or two places.
Rainfall activity is expected to intensify slightly on November 18, with light to moderate rain likely over many areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Intense rainfall is expected to cover 11 delta and coastal districts, including Tiruvarur, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 17. Extreme south coastal Tamil Nadu, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts, may get heavy showers on November 18. Rainfall is expected to spread to many places in the State on November 19, with isolated heavy showers in four districts, including Tiruvarur.
The Weather Department has urged fishermen to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea in the coming days, as the developing system could cause rough sea conditions and gusty winds along the coastal regions. Authorities have been instructed to stay alert, particularly in the southern coastal districts, where isolated heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging, flooding of low-lying areas, and disruptions in road traffic.
Chennai and its neighboring areas can expect some light rains beneath partly cloudy skies. Chennai and its surrounding districts may also receive heavy rainfall on Monday. Light rain is likely in some parts of Chennai, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 32°C and the minimum between 25–26°C.
The prevailing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring intense downpours over the delta and coastal districts between November 16 and November 19, signaling the return of the Northeast monsoon's active phase after a lull. The state's seasonal rainfall has been slightly below average due to dry weather, but officials indicate that the Northeast monsoon is often punctuated by dry spells, and any shortfall could be offset by rain.
