Tamil Nadu Weather News

Kaveri River and Reservoir Overflow

Heavy Rainfall in Catchment Areas

Heavy rainfall in the Kaveri River catchment areas of Karnataka and Kerala has caused the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs to reach full capacity. As a result, large volumes of water are being released downstream, significantly increasing the flow of the Kaveri River. This surge has led to severe flooding in parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Dharmapuri district.

Flooding at Hogenakkal

In Dharmapuri, Hogenakkal has been completely inundated due to the rising water levels of the Kaveri River. On Tuesday, the river’s flow at Hogenakkal escalated from approximately 50,000 cusecs to 135,000 cusecs. The heavy water flow submerging low-lying areas along the riverbanks, creating a landscape resembling flood-ravaged forests. The Dharmapuri district administration has imposed a ban on bathing and boating in the Hogenakkal tourism area to ensure public safety. Residents in vulnerable areas along the Kaveri River have been advised to relocate to safer locations until the situation stabilizes.

Benefits and Risks for Irrigation

The substantial water flow is expected to benefit the Mettur Dam and other irrigation systems in Tamil Nadu, ensuring adequate water supply for agriculture. However, the increased flow also poses a significant flood risk, particularly in areas near the river. Authorities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are closely monitoring the situation, with disaster management teams on high alert to address potential emergencies.

Cyclone Warning and Weather Forecast

Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal

A low-pressure system has formed over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, near the coasts of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cyclone warnings for several ports in Tamil Nadu, including Nagapattinam, where cyclone warning signal number 1 has been hoisted. Eight other ports—Chennai, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Karaikal, Ennore, Pamban, Kattupalli, and Thoothukudi—are also on alert due to the possibility of strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Expected Weather Patterns

The low-pressure system is likely to move west-northwest over the next few days, bringing heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Tamil Nadu’s northeastern districts may experience sporadic rainfall. The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to anticipated rough conditions. While Tamil Nadu is not directly in the system’s path, its coastal regions, particularly in the northeast, are expected to be affected by rain and strong winds. District administrations have been instructed to prepare for heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and gusty winds, with emergency response teams on standby.

Ongoing Monitoring

The IMD is closely tracking the development and movement of the low-pressure system and will provide updates as needed. Coastal residents have been urged to follow weather advisories and adhere to safety protocols to minimize risks.

Regional Weather Conditions

Temperature and Rainfall in Key Districts

In Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, hot and humid conditions are expected, with temperatures likely to reach 36-37°C, compared to 33-34°C last week. In Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi, temperatures are expected to be higher, with Madurai recording 40°C on the previous day. The southwest monsoon has caused intermittent rainfall in recent weeks, and the northeast monsoon, expected between October and December, may bring further precipitation.

Rainfall Forecast

Districts such as Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall until 1 PM today. Some areas may face waterlogging, leading to slippery roads and potential disruptions to transportation. Residents have been advised to exercise caution when traveling and to avoid unnecessary outings during heavy rain.

Administrative Response and Safety Measures

Flood Monitoring and Safety Protocols

The Dharmapuri district administration is maintaining strict vigilance over Hogenakkal and surrounding villages, where the Kaveri River remains in spate. The ban on tourism activities and the relocation advisory for residents reflect proactive measures to ensure public safety. Authorities are also ensuring that irrigation systems like the Mettur Dam are prepared to handle the increased water flow while mitigating flood risks.

Coastal Preparedness

With the cyclone warning in place, Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts are on high alert. Emergency response teams are ready to address potential impacts from heavy rainfall and strong winds. The IMD’s advisories emphasize the importance of preparedness, particularly in northeastern districts, to manage waterlogging and other weather-related disruptions.

Panchayat Mausam Sewa

Krishi Khabar Sewa

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