Cyclonic Storm Akwan to Form Tomorrow; Tamil Nadu Rain Forecast Until November 20

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that a cyclonic storm named `Akwan` is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal tomorrow (November 16). The system is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on November 17.

A deep depression that formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal yesterday moved north-northwestwards and intensified into a depression. As of 5:30 AM today, the system was centred over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.

It was located approximately 700 km west-southwest of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, 860 km east-southeast of Chennai, 1,040 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 1,160 km south-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha.

According to the IMD, the system is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and intensify into Cyclonic Storm `Akwan` over the southern and adjoining central-western Bay of Bengal on November 16. It is further expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm over the central-western Bay of Bengal on November 17.

Rainfall Forecast for Tamil Nadu Until November 20

Due to the developing weather system, the Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu until November 20.

November 15: Light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places in the Western Ghats districts and southern Tamil Nadu. Light rain may also occur at a few places along the northern coastal districts, Puducherry and Karaikal. The remaining parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience generally dry weather.

November 16: Light to moderate rain is expected at a few places in the Western Ghats districts and southern Tamil Nadu. The remaining districts, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience generally dry weather.

November 17: Moderate rain is likely at a few places in Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Light rain may occur at a few places in other Western Ghats districts. Generally dry weather is expected in the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

November 18: Light to moderate rain is likely at a few places in Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Light rain may occur at a few places in other Western Ghats districts. The remaining areas are likely to experience generally dry weather.

November 19: Light rain may occur at a few places in the Western Ghats districts and southern Tamil Nadu. The remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience generally dry weather.

November 20: Moderate rain is expected at a few places in Madurai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Light rain may occur at a few places in other Western Ghats districts and southern Tamil Nadu. Generally dry weather is expected in the remaining areas, Puducherry and Karaikal.

Chennai Weather Forecast

In Chennai a and its surrounding areas, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy. Light rain is possible in some parts of the city.

The maximum temperature is expected to be around 32-33°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain around 24°C.

Strong Winds Over Bay of Bengal; Fishermen Advised to Return

The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning regarding strong winds over the Andaman Sea and different parts of the Bay of Bengal.

Cyclonic winds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, are expected over the Andaman Sea, Andaman and Nicobar Islands region and southeast Bay of Bengal.

Over the southwest Bay of Bengal, winds may reach 45-55 kmph, with gusts up to 65 kmph. Similar wind speeds are expected over the central Bay of Bengal initially.

By November 19, wind speeds over the central Bay of Bengal are likely to increase to 65-75 kmph, with gusts reaching 85 kmph.

In view of the expected strong winds and developing cyclonic system, fishermen have been advised to return to the shore today.

The Meteorological Department has issued these forecasts and warnings as part of its latest weather bulletin.