Heavy rain, rough seas likely in Tamil Nadu as Bay of Bengal system strengthens — IMD issues orange alert

Tamil Nadu is bracing for another spell of unsettled weather as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, raising the risk of widespread rainfall, gusty winds and rough sea conditions over the next few days. Weather officials say the system is moving west-northwestwards at a steady pace and could strengthen further, prompting a mix of orange and yellow alerts across coastal and interior districts. With fishing activity suspended in large stretches of the coast and heavy rain warnings issued for multiple regions, authorities have urged residents to stay alert and plan travel cautiously.

Low-pressure system intensifies over Bay of Bengal

According to the India Meteorological Department, the weather system over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Wednesday and is moving west-northwestwards at around 18 kmph. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, said the system is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 15 hours, increasing the chances of heavy rainfall along parts of the Tamil Nadu coast.

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Meteorologists have noted that while January cyclonic activity is relatively less frequent compared to peak monsoon months, it is not unusual. RMC Chennai head B Amudha said that between 1891 and 2024, around 20 cyclonic disturbances including depressions and cyclonic storms have formed during January.

Districts under yellow alert for heavy rain

A yellow alert has been issued for Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Karaikal districts for Thursday and Friday. These districts are likely to witness heavy rainfall at isolated places as the system moves closer to the coast.

The weather department said light to moderate rain is expected at isolated places across Tamil Nadu on January 8. Coastal Tamil Nadu may see rainfall at a few locations, while interior districts and Puducherry could experience scattered showers.

Orange alert signals heavier spells ahead

As the system strengthens, an orange alert indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur and Puducherry on January 9 and January 10.

Weather officials have warned that sudden bursts of rain could disrupt daily life, affect road connectivity and slow down transport services in vulnerable regions.

More districts to see rain over the weekend

A yellow alert will also be in force on January 10 and January 11 for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Puducherry. While rainfall intensity in these areas may be lower than orange-alert districts, officials have advised caution, particularly during peak rain hours.

Urban pockets, including parts of Chennai and its suburbs, could see brief but intense spells that may result in traffic congestion and temporary waterlogging.

Gusty winds, rough seas along the coast

The RMC has also warned of squally weather along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, over the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining Comorin area.

Fishermen told to stay ashore

In view of the deteriorating sea conditions, fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea. Those already in deep-sea areas have been urged to return to shore at the earliest and avoid the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal, as well as the coastal waters off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, over the next two days.