The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, with predictions of intense weather conditions on Sunday, January 12. The department has forecasted heavy rain in parts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukottai districts, and Karaikal. The rain is expected to be isolated but severe in certain areas, and the IMD has warned of possible thunderstorms and lightning during the period.
The regional meteorological center in Chennai has updated its forecast for Saturday, predicting light to moderate rain over the Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas. However, the interior regions of Tamil Nadu are expected to remain dry. Mist and haze are likely to prevail during the early morning hours across isolated areas.
On Sunday, the weather will worsen, with light to moderate rain forecasted across many places along the coastal regions. Thunderstorms and lightning are also anticipated in isolated areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The IMD has warned of further thunderstorms from January 12 to 14, not only in Tamil Nadu but also in Puducherry and Karaikal.
The weather disturbances are being driven by a cyclonic circulation in the lower tropospheric levels over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal. This system is causing the unsettled weather, which is also expected to bring light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Kerala, and Mahe during the coming days.
The IMD has also issued a forecast for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, expecting light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorm activity on January 13 and 14. Additionally, the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal is expected on January 12.
Cold Wave and Dense Fog in Northern India
Meanwhile, northern India continues to battle a cold wave with dense fog affecting several states. The IMD has reported that the Taj Mahal and New Delhi, along with other parts of the National Capital Region, were blanketed in thick fog on Saturday morning. Several cities, including Kanpur and Gwalior, also experienced poor visibility due to the dense fog.
The temperature in Delhi was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius, and the IMD has predicted that the city will experience a generally cloudy sky with a maximum temperature of 15°C. The weather will remain cold, with light rain and thunderstorms possible throughout the day. Smog and shallow fog are expected to persist into the evening and night.
Despite the fog, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has reported no flight diversions or cancellations, although several trains have been delayed due to low visibility. The airport issued an advisory informing passengers that flights are operating normally, with runway visibility improving.
In other parts of northern India, cold wave conditions were reported in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, while the plains of northwest India recorded temperatures as low as 3.3°C in Karauli, Rajasthan.
Dense fog also continued to affect Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh, with isolated pockets experiencing severe fog conditions. Ground frost was reported in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, further exacerbating the cold weather.
As the weather system continues to evolve, the IMD has urged the public to stay informed about the forecasts and to exercise caution while traveling, especially in fog-affected regions.
Sources By Agencies
