Who Said Vellore is Just a Hot City?” – Thunderstorms & Heavy Rain Lash Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is experiencing an unusual spell of summer rainfall, with the Chennai Meteorological Department issuing Orange and Yellow alerts for 17 districts, including Vellore, until 10 PM today. While parts of the state battle scorching temperatures, thunderstorms and strong winds are bringing relief—and risks—to regions like Ranipet, Karur, and Madurai. Here’s your detailed guide to the weather alerts, forecasts, and safety measures.
⚠️ Key Alert Districts (as of May 16):
- Orange Alert (Heavy Rain): Vellore, Ranipet, Karur, Madurai, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram.
- Yellow Alert (Moderate Rain): Tirupattur, Namakkal, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Theni, Tenkasi.
Current Weather Snapshot: Rainfall & Temperature Trends
🌧️ Rainfall Report (Past 24 Hours)
- Tamil Nadu & Karaikal: Scattered rainfall reported in isolated areas.
- Puducherry: Remained dry.
🌡️ Temperature Extremes
- Hottest: Erode – 41.2°C
- Coolest: Karaikal – 19.2°C
- Notable Shift: Karaikal saw a 3°C drop in maximum temperature.
Region-Wise Temperature Ranges
| Region | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| North Tamil Nadu (Inland) | 36°C – 41°C |
| South Tamil Nadu (Inland) | ~40°C |
| Coastal TN + Puducherry | 35°C – 40°C |
| South Coastal TN | 34°C – 37°C |
| Hilly Areas | 20°C – 27°C |
7-Day Weather Forecast: Thunderstorms & Heavy Rain Ahead
Reason Behind the Rain
- A lower-level cyclonic circulation over coastal Tamil Nadu.
- An upper-level circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
Day-by-Day Forecast
May 16 (Today)
- Affected Areas: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal.
- Rain Type: Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and 40–50 km/h winds.
- Heavy Rain Likely In: Erode, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal.
May 17 (Tomorrow)
- Rain Spread: Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Trichy, Salem, Kallakurichi, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Karaikal.
- Intensity: Similar to May 16.
May 18–21
- Scattered Thunderstorms: Moderate rain with 40–50 km/h winds.
- Heavy Rain Alert: Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Karaikal.
Safety Advisory: How to Stay Prepared
- Avoid Travel: Steer clear of waterlogged roads or flooded areas.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Protect loose objects from strong winds.
- Monitor Updates: Follow the Chennai Meteorological Department for real-time alerts.
- Emergency Kit: Keep flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies handy.
Why Is Summer Rain Occurring in Tamil Nadu?
While summer rains are rare, this year’s cyclonic circulations and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are disrupting typical weather patterns. Such systems often trigger thunderstorms, especially in inland districts like Vellore and Erode.
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FAQs About Tamil Nadu’s Heavy Rain Alert
1. Will Chennai receive rain?
No heavy rain is forecast for Chennai, but light showers are possible.
2. What defines an Orange Alert?
Orange indicates heavy rainfall (115.6–204.4 mm in 24 hours) with potential disruptions.
3. How long will this rain last?
Thunderstorms are likely until May 21, with intensity reducing afterward.
4. Are flights/trains affected?
No cancellations reported yet, but check with airlines/railways if traveling to alert zones.
Final Thoughts
While the rain offers respite from the heat, it also poses risks like flash floods and power outages. Residents in alert districts should prioritize safety and stay vigilant.
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