The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, placing four southern districts under an orange alert as multiple weather systems intensify over the Bay of Bengal and the Comorin region.
The districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi have been issued an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. Additionally, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur and the Karaikal region remain under a yellow alert for heavy rain.
Low pressure system intensifies over Bay of Bengal
According to the RMC, the weather activity is being driven by a Well-Marked Low Pressure Area that formed over the Strait of Malacca and the South Andaman Sea early on Saturday. The system continues to persist over the same region.
Forecast models indicate that the system will move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a Depression by November 24, and further strengthening into a Cyclonic Storm over the southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours. Meteorologists are closely tracking its movement as the system could influence the rainfall pattern over Tamil Nadu through early next week.
A second upper air cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area also persists. This system may lead to the formation of a fresh Low Pressure Area over the Comorin Sea, the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, and Sri Lanka around November 25.
Another cyclonic circulation continues to prevail over the southeast Arabian Sea, adding to the overall atmospheric instability.
Heavy rainfall likely to continue on Monday
Based on current projections, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Monday as well.
Officials said the intensity and spread of rainfall will depend on the speed and trajectory of the developing systems over the Bay of Bengal.
Rainfall in the last 24 hours
Several places in Tamil Nadu witnessed intense downpours during the past 24 hours, with the southern districts recording the highest amounts.
Tirunelveli district remained the wettest, with
- Nalumukku recording 26 cm,
- Oothu receiving 25 cm,
- Kakkachi 23 cm, and
- Manjolai 21 cm.
Significant rainfall also occurred in Thoothukudi, Tenkasi and Cuddalore districts.
Key locations include:
- Tiruchendur and Kulasekarapattinam – 13 cm each
- Kayathar – 11 cm
- Kayalpattinam – 10 cm
- Satankulam, Ayikudi, Shencottah – 9 cm each
- Several stations in the above districts — 7–8 cm each
Officials said the rains have helped boost water levels in several tanks and reservoirs but warned residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious.
Temperature update
While widespread rains have kept temperatures largely in check, Erode and Madurai airports recorded the highest maximum temperature of 32.0°C, while Karur Paramathi reported the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 20.0°C.
Will schools and colleges remain closed?
With 15 districts experiencing heavy rainfall today and 11 districts forecast to receive additional rain on Monday, parents and students remain anxious about possible school and college closures.
As of Saturday afternoon, no district administration has announced a holiday for Monday. Officials said they will monitor rainfall intensity and issue notifications later in the evening if required.
Authorities have advised residents to follow updates from district collectors and the RMC, as conditions may evolve rapidly depending on the strength of the developing systems.