Cyclone Fengal: IMD Predicts Heavy Rains For Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for the Bay of Bengal, forecasting the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 23. This development is attributed to a cyclonic circulation near the Sumatra coast and the South Andaman Sea, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the coming days.

The IMD predicts the system will move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal within two days. A separate cyclonic circulation has also been observed over the Comorin region at lower tropospheric levels.

Weather forecast

In its bulletin, the IMD has detailed weather predictions for various regions:

• November 21: Light to moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms and lightning over Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
• November 25: Similar conditions are expected in Kerala and Mahe.

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Light to moderate rainfall is anticipated throughout the week.
• Northeastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will likely receive scattered rainfall on November 21 and 22.

Heavy rains alerts

South Tamil Nadu may experience isolated very heavy rainfall on November 21 and 26, while coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam could see heavy rainfall on November 26 and 27. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for the Nicobar Islands between November 21 and 24 and in Kerala and Mahe on November 21, 26, and 27. Other areas, including Rayalaseema on November 26 and 27 and south Tamil Nadu on November 25 and 27, are also expected to receive isolated heavy rains.

Heavy rains continued to batter Tamil Nadu on Thursday, causing flooding and waterlogging in several districts. In Thoothukudi, urban areas such as Rajagopal Nagar, Pushpa Nagar, and Postal Telegram Colony witnessed severe waterlogging, with visuals showing homes submerged.

Since the onset of the northeast monsoon in October, northern and delta regions, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram, have experienced significant rainfall. Delta districts like Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai are among the most affected, with waterlogged roads disrupting daily life.

The IMD has cautioned of continued rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning across several regions in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions persist.