A brewing storm in the Bay of Bengal is set to unleash heavy rains on Tamil Nadu, with meteorologists zeroing in on 10 districts for the worst impacts on February 21. The Chennai RMC’s latest bulletin highlights the rapid intensification of a low-pressure system over the west-central Bay of Bengal and nearby eastern Indian Ocean waters.
Dry weather will dominate statewide until February 18. From February 19, expect scattered light to moderate rains in Delta areas and southern coasts. The system ramps up on February 20, delivering moderate showers across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Come February 21, Delta hubs Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai face heavy rainfall threats. In the south, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Tenkasi are primed for heavy spells at one or two places. Thunderstorms with intense downpours are likely in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari on February 22.
Authorities have sounded alarms for fishermen, particularly along southern coasts, warning of turbulent seas. Low-lying regions must brace for flooding risks; locals should heed official alerts and avoid unnecessary travel. Continuous tracking by weather teams ensures timely advisories, helping mitigate the onset of this sudden wet spell amid otherwise parched conditions.