Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a yellow alert for 18 districts in Tamil Nadu for this weekend (November 16-17).
The RMC’s announcement indicates that heavy rainfall is anticipated in Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu districts. This weather is linked to a cyclonic circulation affecting southern Tamil Nadu and nearby areas.
Other regions of the state are expected to see light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning in the upcoming days. In Chennai, partly cloudy skies are forecasted, with moderate rain likely in some areas during the evening and nighttime.
Additionally, heavy rainfall is predicted for the northern coastal districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram, starting November 22, with above-normal rainfall expected from November 22 to 28. Conversely, other parts of the state are likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall during this period.
From October 1 to November 15, Tamil Nadu recorded 276 mm of rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon, with Coimbatore experiencing the highest at 418 mm—67% above the average. While 17 districts, including Chennai, saw excess rainfall, others faced deficits.
The heavy rains have significantly reduced electricity consumption in the state, with daily power usage dropping to 302 million units from 380 million units on October 1, when rainfall was minimal. In September, power consumption had exceeded 400 million units per day. Tangedco officials noted that the increased rainfall has lessened the demand for air conditioning, decreasing residential and agricultural electricity use.
Meanwhile, the state health department is concerned about a rise in viral diseases. Chennai and nearby districts, such as Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur, have reported an uptick in cases of fever, influenza, and other viral infections. There have also been reports of malaria and leptospirosis in various regions. The Tamil Nadu Public Health Department has advised the public to take extra precautions, especially for children, who are more susceptible to infections.
People are encouraged to monitor for symptoms like high fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, and headaches, and to seek medical help if these arise. Dr. Rajani, an entomologist at a private hospital in Chennai, noted an increase in fever, headaches, and throat infections among both children and the elderly since the Northeast Monsoon began. She highlighted that dry coughs in children can persist for over two weeks, indicating contagious diseases, and mentioned that throat infections may linger even after fever subsides. She also advised those with respiratory, kidney, or liver issues to take extra care during this susceptible season.