Unprecedented Rainfall Hits Southern Tamil Nadu, Experts Cite Rare Weather Conditions
Southern districts of Tamil Nadu experienced extraordinary and widespread extremely heavy rainfall, with 39 places receiving unprecedented amounts, including a record-breaking 95 cm in Kayalpattinam, Thoothukudi district. Meteorology experts highlighted the rarity of an upper air circulation causing such extensive rainfall in 24 hours in the region.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) had issued warnings since December 14, forecasting very heavy rains, which were later upgraded to extremely heavy rains in isolated areas within 24 hours. The intense downpour affected districts like Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Theni, raising questions about forewarnings despite prior alerts.
The weather phenomenon, driven by a slow-moving weather disturbance near Comorin, was aided by factors like moisture influx, wind convergence, upper-level divergence, and equatorial Rossby waves. The unexpected rain changed Tamil Nadu’s rain deficit to 5% excess overnight, with the RMC predicting continued heavy rain in specific districts.
