Chennai is likely to experience mostly dry weather over the coming week as a developing cyclone over the Bay of Bengal moves northwards. Rainfall expected between Sunday night and Monday morning could be the city’s last significant spell for October, with the chances of further showers remaining low until November 2.
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of October 28. As the system moves away from Tamil Nadu, Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts are expected to experience predominantly dry conditions.
Isolated showers remain possible in Chennai on Monday, while Chengalpet and Kancheepuram could receive moderate rainfall.
Why Chennai May See Little Rain Until November 2
V R Durai, head of the weather forecasting division at the Regional Meteorological Centre, said rainfall prospects would remain limited until November 2 as winds shift towards a westerly direction.
“The westerly winds will be completely dry. Only after the cyclone weakens will the winds turn easterly and northeasterly, bringing rain clouds,” the official said.
Weather forecaster Pradeep John said Chennai and several neighbouring districts could receive rain through Sunday night. He noted that similar wind patterns had brought rainfall to the city in the past, although current weather models were not indicating the same outcome this time.
According to John, the Kodaikanal and Coonoor regions could receive heavy rainfall as easterly winds become trapped against the surrounding hills.
Northeast Monsoon: Chennai Records Limited Rainfall
The northeast monsoon began on October 14, but Chennai and nearby districts have experienced heavy rainfall on only one day so far. Occasional showers have nevertheless helped keep temperatures below normal.
According to rainfall figures recorded until 5:30 pm on Sunday, Meenambakkam received 1.2 mm of rain, while Nungambakkam recorded 0.6 mm.
Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor reported the highest rainfall at 47 mm, followed by Coimbatore at 44 mm and Kodaikanal at 41 mm.
Temperatures in Chennai also remained below normal. Nungambakkam recorded a maximum of 28.1 degrees Celsius, while Meenambakkam registered 27.8 degrees Celsius.
Despite the limited rainfall, the occasional showers have helped prevent temperatures from rising significantly across the city.
Chennai Weather Radar Develops Technical Glitch
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department’s S-band weather radar at Chennai Port developed a technical problem on Sunday. Officials said the radar, which is around 15 years old, has been experiencing a tendency towards sudden failures.
Alternative monitoring facilities remain available. These include an X-band radar at Pallikaranai, which has a range of approximately 180–200 km, as well as the radar at Sriharikota.
The ageing Chennai Port radar is expected to be replaced next year. The availability of backup radar systems provides additional weather-monitoring support while the technical issue is addressed.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the weather forecasts, rainfall figures and official statements provided at the time of writing. Weather conditions, rainfall predictions and cyclone movement may change as new observations become available. Readers should consult the latest India Meteorological Department bulletins for updated forecasts and official weather advisories.