Chennai— The Northeast Monsoon remained strong over Tamil Nadu on Sunday as Cyclone Ditwah continued to move northward parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, triggering widespread rainfall across the region, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported.
According to the daily weather bulletin issued at 1:40 pm, widespread rainfall was recorded at most places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal by 8:30 am. Temperatures stayed mild, with Coimbatore registering the day’s highest maximum temperature of 27.9°C, while Thoothukudi reported the lowest minimum at 16°C.
Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, which traveled northward overnight, was positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts at 8:30 am. It was located 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, 110 km southeast of Puducherry and 180 km south-southeast of Chennai. The IMD said the storm will continue moving northwards over the next 24 hours, staying within 30–60 km of the coastline by Sunday evening.
A red alert was issued for several north Tamil Nadu districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in Tiruvallur and Ranipet. Heavy to very heavy rain is also expected in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Vellore, while isolated heavy showers are likely in Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Puducherry.
Rainfall intensity is expected to gradually decline from Monday, December 1. Light to moderate showers are forecast across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until December 6, with isolated heavy rainfall predicted in Tiruvallur on Monday. Thunderstorms with lightning have been forecast for parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday, Monday, and again on December 3 and 4.
Strong surface winds reaching 60–70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, are likely over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday. Gusty winds up to 75 kmph may affect adjoining districts and the Karaikal region.
For Chennai and nearby areas, the RMC predicted a cloudy sky with heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning throughout Sunday. Maximum temperatures will remain between 27°C and 28°C, while the minimum may drop to around 22°C. On Monday, the city is expected to see light to moderate rain, with a slight rise in maximum temperatures to 28–29°C.
The IMD continues to closely track Cyclone Ditwah and has urged residents, especially in coastal districts, to stay alert as strong winds and intense rainfall may impact daily life through the day.
