Amid intense winter conditions across the country, fresh weather concerns have emerged from India’s maritime regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about a rapidly strengthening weather system over the Indian Ocean.
A low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean.
According to IMD, this system may intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours, leading to severe weather conditions in South India over the coming days.
Heavy Rainfall Alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The weather system is moving west-northwestward at a speed of around 18 km per hour.
As it strengthens, it is expected to cross the southwest Bay of Bengal and trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall.
IMD has warned that Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may start receiving intense rainfall from Thursday.
Coastal and interior districts are likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, and continuous rain spells.
Districts Likely to See Heavy Rain
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected across coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
However, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in:
Mayiladuthurai
Nagapattinam
Thanjavur
Tiruvarur
Pudukottai
Karaikal
Heavy rain warnings are also in place for Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu.
Rainfall intensity may peak on January 10. Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu could receive very heavy rain, while Chennai and nearby districts may experience prolonged heavy showers.
Rain is expected to gradually reduce on January 11 and 12, though isolated heavy spells may still occur.
Strong Winds and High Waves: Fishermen Warned
IMD has also issued a marine warning due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Wind speeds may reach 35 to 45 km per hour, with gusts touching 55 km per hour over the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka coast, Gulf of Mannar, and Comorin region.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea for the next few days, as conditions could turn dangerous very quickly.
North India Continues to Shiver Under Cold and Fog
While South India braces for heavy rain, northern parts of the country remain in the grip of harsh winter conditions.
Cold waves and dense fog continue due to western disturbances and an active jet stream.
Several areas in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh are experiencing cold to severe cold day conditions.
Parts of eastern Rajasthan are facing extreme cold, while cold day warnings have been issued for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
What to Expect in Delhi-NCR
Delhi-NCR is likely to see moderate to dense fog during morning hours, affecting road and rail travel.
Minimum temperatures are expected to remain steady for the next two days, with a possible slight rise around January 10.
However, temperatures may drop again after that, keeping daytime conditions unusually cold.
Cold Wave Alert in Central and Eastern India
Cold wave conditions are expected to persist in eastern Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Dense morning fog may disrupt daily activities and traffic.
Ground frost is likely in parts of Assam and Meghalaya.
Dense fog warnings have also been issued for Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Similar foggy and cold conditions may continue in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Why Temperatures Are Falling So Sharply
According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation is active over Jammu and Kashmir and nearby regions at higher altitudes.
Additionally, a powerful subtropical westerly jet stream with wind speeds of up to 130 knots is passing over North India.
This combination is causing strong cold winds and a sharp drop in temperatures across several regions.
