Rain to Continue in Tamil Nadu, Schools May be Shut; Other States Face Heatwave, Health Minister Steps in
Schools in Chennai and several other districts will remain closed on Tuesday due to a heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecasted downpour in the next three hours in Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts, which are located in the Tamil Nadu capital. According to news agency ANI, moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate rain are likely to occur at isolated places in Thiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. The IMD reported intense thunderstorms with moderate rain in these districts, caused by convective cells over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvallur districts in the past two hours.
Local reports indicate that Chennai's Meenambakkam recorded the maximum rainfall of 16 cm in the last 24 hours, while Taramani, Alandur, and Anna University received 14 cm, 13 cm, and 10 cm of rain, respectively. The Met department has issued a yellow alert, warning of waterlogging, traffic jams, road blockages, tree falls, and increased water levels in rivers and lakes due to the rain.
As a result of heavy rainfall across the state, schools in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Ranipet, and Thiruvallur districts remained closed on Monday. It is expected that these schools will also remain closed on Tuesday, although parents are advised to confirm with the school authorities. The IMD has predicted rainfall in 13 districts of Tamil Nadu until Tuesday, including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Perambalur, and Tiruchi.
In addition to Tamil Nadu, other states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim are also expected to experience rainfall. The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in east Rajasthan on Tuesday, followed by heavy downpour on Wednesday. Northern parts of Madhya Pradesh may witness light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy rain in adjoining areas on Tuesday, followed by extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in parts of northwest Madhya Pradesh.
In eastern India, the IMD predicts isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in northeast states, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next five days. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal may experience isolated heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, while Odisha may see it from Wednesday until Friday.
Furthermore, the IMD has also issued a heatwave warning, prompting Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to convene a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review preparedness. Severe to very severe heatwave conditions are expected in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Many states have already extended their summer vacations due to the extreme heat, which has unfortunately led to several reported deaths.