10/11/2024
Heavy Rains Predicted for Tamil Nadu Over Next Five Days, Officials Issue Warnings
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across several districts in Tamil Nadu over the next five days as the state braces for intense weather conditions. Areas such as Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai are expected to experience significant rainfall. Additionally, districts including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Ramanathapuram will see heavy rain starting Monday, with rains expected to continue through Thursday. For more detailed weather updates, visit the India Meteorological Department.
On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, and Cuddalore. More rainfall is predicted for parts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, and Cuddalore on Wednesday. Throughout the week, heavy rains will continue across the state, impacting districts like Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, and Sivagangai. To understand the broader impact of these rains on the region, explore our Impact of Monsoon on Tamil Nadu.
While heavy rains in Chennai were initially delayed, they are expected to intensify between November 11 and 17, with widespread rainfall continuing throughout Tamil Nadu in the coming weeks. According to the RMC, the northeast monsoon (October 1 to November 6) has brought 247 mm of rainfall, which is 13% above the normal 219 mm for this period. Coimbatore district has recorded the highest rainfall, with 410 mm—102% above the average. To monitor real-time rainfall data, you can refer to the Central Water Commission.
The increased rainfall has raised water levels in key reservoirs, including the Vaigai Dam, which is being closely monitored. The flow from catchment areas and increased discharge from the Mullaperiyar Dam have contributed to the rising water levels. As of the past three days, the Vaigai Dam’s water level reached 64.34 feet, approaching its full capacity of 71 feet. The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has implemented a three-tier flood warning system for the Vaigai Dam: the first flood warning is issued when the water level reaches 66 feet, the second at 68.5 feet, and the third at 69 feet. For more on the latest flood alerts and safety measures, visit the Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority.
Once the third warning level is reached, water will be released for irrigation in Madurai district, benefitting farmers in the regions of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram, who are hopeful due to the rising water levels. For insights into how this affects local agriculture, check out our article on Agriculture and Water Management in Tamil Nadu.
