Chennai Hit By Heavy Rains, More Showers Expected On Thursday

The IMD forecasts that the system's impact will persist until December 20 with rain continuing in many parts of the Chennai.

Chennai experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday as Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) revised heavy to very heavy rainfall alert to a heavy rain alert. The rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is attributed to a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which has intensified and is expected to move northwest towards North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts over the next 24 hours.

The IMD stated, "Yesterday's low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal with associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, has become more marked and now lay over the same region at 0300 UTC of today, December 18, 2024. It is likely to move nearly northwestwards towards North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts in the next 24 hours."

The system is expected to move northwards along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the subsequent 24 hours. The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Chennai on December 17 and 18. It has also issued warning for very heavy rain on December 19. According to the IMD, "Moderate to heavy rain is likely to occur, with strong surface winds reaching speeds of 35 to 45 kmph at times."

Chennai recorded minimal showers on Tuesday. The light showers gradually increased from Wednesday afternoon. 

An independent weather blogger, Tamil Nadu weatherman said, "The low pressure area has come close to KTCC coast. After one of the coldest nights for KTCC (Chennai). Today moisture has moved inland and brought back some warmness but still the bulk of the rain clouds is still in sea. KTCC (Chennai) - Today and Tomorrow Chennai has chance of good rains."