Weather improves after heavy downpour, but thunderstorms likely from today News24 –
Chennai and several other districts in Tamil Nadu saw a brief respite on Tuesday after two days of heavy rainfall and waterlogging that led to school closures across multiple regions. The downpour, triggered by a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal, had prompted authorities to declare a holiday on Monday, 17 November, in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Villupuram and Cuddalore.
As conditions improved on Tuesday morning, 18 November, most districts reopened schools following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) decision to downgrade the alert level from orange to yellow. However, fresh showers returned by evening, once again keeping residents on alert as IMD reissued an orange warning for parts of Chennai and surrounding districts due to the possibility of moderate rainfall with thunderstorms.
Schools Likely to Remain Open on November 19
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the weather is expected to improve further on Wednesday. Light to moderate rain is forecast across several parts of Tamil Nadu on 19 November, while isolated heavy rainfall is likely only in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts. A yellow alert remains in place for these two regions, signalling reduced rainfall intensity.
Authorities in Chennai and other major districts have not announced any school closures for November 19, indicating that educational institutions are expected to function normally unless conditions worsen overnight.
More Rain Ahead for Tamil Nadu
Despite the temporary breather, the state is not fully in the clear. IMD has issued a yellow alert for parts of Tamil Nadu from 19 to 22 November, with heavier rainfall expected on 23 and 24 November. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated locations between 19 and 21 November.
The low-pressure area that brought heavy rain earlier has drifted toward the Sri Lankan coast, while another system is expected to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around 22 November. This developing disturbance may intensify over the following 48 hours and move west-northwestwards, potentially bringing more rain to the Tamil Nadu coast.
Although a cyclonic circulation near Kerala’s southern coastline has weakened, meteorologists warn that emerging systems over the Bay of Bengal could sustain wet conditions for the state over the next several days.
Chennai Braces for Intermittent Showers
For now, Chennai residents can expect lighter spells of rain on Wednesday, offering some relief from the intense waterlogging and traffic disruptions seen earlier in the week. However, with fresh weather systems forming in the Bay of Bengal, the city may continue to experience intermittent showers through the weekend.