New Low-Pressure Zone Over Bay of Bengal: IMD Predicts Heavy Rain in Tamil Nadu on Dec 12

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted to the formation of a new low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, following closely on the heels of Cyclone Fengal. This recent weather development is anticipated to drift in a west-northwest direction, heading towards the Sri Lankan coast by December 9. This system is expected to gather strength and become a depression near Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu by December 12. The emerging weather system underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of climate patterns in the Bay of Bengal.

This forecast follows the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, which escalated from a low-pressure area last week, wreaking havoc as it made landfall near Puducherry. The cyclone caused extensive damage across Puducherry and northern Tamil Nadu, demonstrating the severe impact such weather events can have on the region. The IMD's announcement signals a continuation of challenging weather conditions for the area, with potential implications for safety and infrastructure.

Due to the developing low-pressure system, the IMD predicts intense rainfall over the southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on December 12 and 13. This is particularly concerning given the recent extreme weather events in the region. Last week, Tamil Nadu experienced severe rain and winds as Cyclone Fengal approached, leading to significant disruptions. The onset of rain, starting on the night of November 29, evolved from sporadic showers into continuous downpours, causing widespread waterlogging.

The heavy rains have forced residents in vulnerable areas, such as low-lying Madipakkam, to take precautionary measures, including parking vehicles on higher ground near the Velachery flyover. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in deserted roads, with civic workers, police, and fire and rescue personnel being mobilized to mitigate the impact in affected locations.

Additionally, the low-pressure area is expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall to coastal Tamil Nadu on December 11 and 12, as well as to Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on December 12. Beyond the immediate region, a fresh western disturbance is set to influence the weather patterns in the Western Himalayan Region and adjoining plains of Northwest India from December 8. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall or snowfall over the Western Himalayan Region and light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh on December 8 and 9, highlighting the broad geographic impact of these weather systems.