IMD Forecasts Clearer Skies After Three Days of Cyclone-Driven Rain
IMD predicts drier days after cyclone remnants fade.
Chennai and surrounding districts endured persistent downpours for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as remnants of Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread flooding and disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a transition to milder showers on Thursday, signaling the conclusion of the most intense phase of the weather event. Intense rainfall particularly battered Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpet, where cloud convergence amplified the deluge.
The depression over the Bay of Bengal, which had intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, made landfall near Puducherry early Wednesday, propelling moisture-laden winds toward the northern Tamil Nadu coast. By 5:30 p.m., Ennore recorded 14.6 cm of precipitation, while Puzhal measured 5.6 cm, underscoring the uneven distribution of the rains. North Chennai and Tiruvallur bore the brunt, with moderate to heavy showers, whereas central and southern sectors experienced intermittent bursts interspersed with brief respites.
Meteorological experts attribute the thunderstorms and prolonged cloud cover to the interplay between upper- and lower-level atmospheric winds, exacerbated by the system's southward positioning relative to Chennai. Residents in low-lying areas like Ennore and Tiruvottiyur reported sustained inundation since Tuesday night, compelling evacuations and traffic halts. The IMD's vigilance ensured timely alerts, mitigating potential casualties amid the chaos.
Also Read: Cyclone Ditwah Leaves 80+ Dead in Sri Lanka; IMD Warns Indian Coast of Renewed Threat
From Friday onward, clearer skies and intermittent sunshine are anticipated as the weakened system drifts inland, dissipating its moisture reserves. Saturday and Sunday will feature predominantly partly cloudy to sunny conditions, with minimal probabilities of light drizzle confined to isolated pockets. Temperatures are projected to stabilize between 23°C and 28°C, accompanied by moderate winds of 20-25 km/h, fostering a gradual return to normalcy.
While the immediate cyclone-induced threat subsides, December's climatological patterns suggest Chennai could encounter up to 19 rainy days overall, with cumulative precipitation nearing 346 mm. Authorities urge sustained preparedness for urban flooding vulnerabilities, even as the short-term forecast offers respite from the recent torrent.
Also Read: IMD Confirms Depression Over Bay of Bengal, Potential Cyclone Ditwah Forms
