Rain returns to Chennai, in moderation

Chennai and its surrounding districts experienced continuous rains all day on Sunday, prompting the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in the region to predict heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for Monday in the districts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram. P. Senthamarai Kannan, the Director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre, RMC in Chennai, attributed the rain to the merging of southeast and northeast winds, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. While the rain is not expected to reach the level of the Cyclone Michaung, it is expected to continue throughout the night, ranging from light to moderate, leading to a significant cumulative amount of heavy or potentially excessively heavy rain.

In addition, weather blogger Pradeep John has predicted possible heavy rainfall in Chennai and surrounding districts until Monday evening. John noted that the area received 400-450 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period in December, and while this level of rainfall is not anticipated, totals of 100-200 mm may still cause water accumulation. He cautioned individuals residing in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, noting that monsoon patterns extending into January have become a regular occurrence over the past four years.

According to data collected by the Chennai Corporation, 200 wards received moderate rainfall between 15.6 mm and 64.4 mm on Sunday, leading to an average rainfall total of 6.53 mm for the city. Moderate rainfall is expected for Monday according to municipal officers, who have prepared 340 pumps and mobilized 15,129 workers. Health screenings were conducted for 3,007 residents on Sunday in preparation for the expected rainfall. Kathivakkam received the highest rainfall in the city at 55.5 mm, recorded between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Various other city areas received rainfalls ranging from 10 mm to 40.4 mm, occurring predominantly in one-hour increments. The forecast for Monday indicates heavy rain is probable in isolated locations including Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Vellore, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli districts, and Puducherry.