Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu as Low-Pressure Forms in Bay of Bengal

Chennai, June 17 – The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu, following the likely formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

Continuous rains in areas like Nilgiris and the Coimbatore ghats have caused tree falls and mudslides, keeping rescue teams on high alert. The RMC said that a cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal may develop into a low-pressure system by Tuesday. This could intensify further and move northwest in the coming days.

Due to this system and the strengthening southwest monsoon, a red alert for heavy rain has been issued for the Nilgiris and Coimbatore hills until June 18. Districts like Theni and Tenkasi are also expected to receive heavy rainfall, while light to moderate rains may occur in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through the weekend.

However, Chennai will likely experience only occasional rain. Weather expert K. Srikanth said that due to strong western winds and weak sea breeze, Chennai may face humid weather rather than rain in the coming days. On Monday, Avalanche in Nilgiris received 29 cm and Chinnakallar in Coimbatore 18 cm rainfall. Authorities have requested people to be cautious and avoid risky routes during peak rain hours.