CHENNAI: The city and its neighbouring districts may receive heavy rainfall as the season's first
cyclonic storm takes shape from a low-pressure area that formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20cm in 24 hours) on Oct 27. The city saw cloudy skies and occasional drizzles on Friday.
The system's track released by the agency showed it is likely to intensify into a cyclone on Oct 27. Once it forms, the storm may be named Montha, a name given by Thailand, meaning fragrant flower or beautiful flower.
Bloggers said the cyclone may move towards Andhra Pradesh.
According to IMD, the system may intensify into a depression by Saturday over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and further strengthen into a deep depression with winds up to 56kmph.
"It is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by Oct 27 over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal with wind speeds of 65-74kmph," said IMD's bulletin.
Heavy rainfall activity may begin on Oct 25 over Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpet, and Puducherry, spreading to Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet the following day.
On Oct 27, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Vellore may receive heavy rainfall, while intense spells are expected in Chennai. On Oct 28, rain may ease, remaining heavy only in Tiruvallur and Ranipet.
On Saturday, Chennai and the suburbs may see light to moderate showers with thunderstorms in some areas. The sky will be partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from around 30C maximum, to 24-25C minimum.
Weather blogger Pradeep John said the city may miss out on intense rainfall if the system drifts northwards over the sea.
"If the system moves further away from the Tamil Nadu coast, Chennai will only see moderate spells. The cyclone is heading towards Andhra Pradesh, so there may not be widespread rainfall in the state. Kerala, Kanyakumari, and the Nilgiris could get some rain," he said in an online post.