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Chennai: The weakened Cyclone Ditwah, now a depression, continues its slow drift towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, poised to degenerate into a low-pressure area within hours, according to the latest bulletin from the Chennai Meteorological Department. Despite losing cyclonic strength, the system is set to unleash widespread rainfall across the state today.

As of 11:30 PM on December 2, the depression was centered approximately 100 km south of Chennai and just 25 km from the coast. Moving southwest at 3 kmph, it is forecast to make landfall near the coast within the next six hours while further weakening.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Erode, and Coimbatore districts. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Theni, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Salem, and Namakkal.

For the northern coastal region, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu, heavy rain is predicted today. Gusty winds of 35-45 kmph may prevail over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

Rain has been continuous since morning across the state, with light to moderate showers and thunderstorms reported in most areas. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is already occurring in several districts, including Ramanathapuram, the Delta region, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.

Heavy rains are expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu districts today. Cyclone Ditwah, which has already weakened into a depression, is expected to cross land near Nellore tonight, the Meteorological Department said. IMD forecast says heavy rains are set to continue across Tamil Nadu as the ex-Ditwah depression moves inland, with intense spells battering Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram and many interior districts.

Echoing the IMD’s warning, private meteorologist Pradeep John (Tamil Nadu Weatherman) stated that the low-pressure area is expected to bring “good rainfall across Tamil Nadu today.” He indicated that the system would move inland, affecting districts like Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Vellore, and southern regions including Coimbatore and Madurai, while areas like Chengalpattu and the ECR/OMR belts are already experiencing heavy showers. Weatherman Pradeep John said the system’s partial landfall is triggering widespread rainfall from Chennai to Cuddalore, Villupuram and beyond. Srikanth of COMK added that the heaviest rains remain south of 13°N, affecting South Chennai, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu, while North Chennai finally sees relief after 36 hours of continuous rain.