Intense rainfall expected in Tamil Nadu and Chennai as potential cyclone looms from low-pressure system
Tamil Nadu is bracing for heavy rainfall as the northeast monsoon begins. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings predicting significant rain in several areas on Thursday, October 23. Key locations include the state capital Chennai and surrounding districts.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast for Tamil Nadu and Chennai
The IMD reports the likelihood of intense showers in the following districts:
- Chennai
- Tiruvallur
- Kancheepuram
- Chengalpattu
- Ranipet
In addition to these areas, regions such as Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, The Nilgiris, Thoothukkudi, and Tirunelveli may also experience light to moderate rainfall. Thunderstorms and lightning are possible in parts of Puducherry and Karaikal.
School and College Closures
Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and colleges in certain districts. However, there is no official update regarding the status of educational institutions in Chennai on the day of the forecast.
Power Outages Likely
As the rain persists, residents may face power cuts in several areas. The ongoing rainfall is a consequence of a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which has caused heavy downpours in various districts.
Weather Updates and Future Projections
The IMD indicated that the low-pressure area, which relocated northwestward from the north coast of Sri Lanka, is currently situated near the Tamil Nadu coast. It is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours. A specific update stated:
“The well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast moved northwestward across north Tamil Nadu and lay over the north coastal Tamil Nadu at 1730 hrs IST on October 22, 2025.”
This system poses no immediate threat, as it is likely to continue moving west-northwest and gradually dissolve.
Conditions Over the Arabian Sea
Meanwhile, a separate depression over the southeast Arabian Sea is moving northward. At 1730 hrs IST on October 22, it was reported to be located approximately 620 km west-southwest of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep) and 980 km southwest of Panjim (Goa).
Future projections suggest that this depression may alter its course, moving north-northeastward within the next 24 hours.
Tamil Nadu residents are advised to stay informed about these weather conditions as the situation evolves. Monitoring local updates will be crucial to ensure safety during the expected adverse weather.
