Chennai, 07 January (H.S.) : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that a deep low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean has intensified into a depression. This weather system is expected to strengthen further into a deep depression within the next 24 hours.

According to official reports, the system was moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 23 kmph and was positioned approximately 1,220 km south-southeast of Chennai on Wednesday. The IMD indicated that the system will continue its trajectory towards the southwest Bay of Bengal over the next two days, bringing significant weather changes to the region.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted light to moderate rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from January 8 to 11. Specifically, heavy rain is forecast for Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam starting Thursday.

By January 9 and 10, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. The weather authorities also warned that by January 11, the rainfall activity would extend to northern districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram.

In view of the intensifying system, the authority version from the IMD suggests that the deep depression will likely maintain its strength while approaching the coast.

Residents in coastal areas have been advised to stay updated with weather alerts as the system progresses. The persistent moisture incursion is expected to significantly dampen the coastal belt during this period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary