Over 15 Flights Hit as Chennai Records Cloudburst

Chennai experienced a cloudburst, causing over 15 flight delays and significant flooding. The India Meteorological Department reported rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour in multiple areas. Meteorologists attribute the sudden rains to southwest monsoon winds extending from Kerala. The IMD forecasts continued rain and strong winds, highlighting the need for disaster preparedness.

Key Points:

  • Chennai experienced a cloudburst, leading to over 15 flight delays and significant flooding.
  • The India Meteorological Department reported rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour in multiple areas of Chennai.
  • Meteorologists attribute the sudden rains to the southwest monsoon winds extending from Kerala to Tamil Nadu.

Over 15 Flights Hit as Chennai Records Cloudburst

After days of scorching heat, Chennai experienced a sudden and intense downpour late Saturday night, described by meteorologists as a cloudburst. The heavy rainfall caused significant disruptions, including the delay of over 15 flights.

IMD Issues Red Alert

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Manali region and nearby districts, now under a red alert, were the most affected. Various parts of Chennai, such as Vadapalani, Guindy, and Kodambakkam, witnessed substantial rainfall. The suburbs including Ambattur and Korattur also reported severe waterlogging.

Rainfall Exceeds Cloudburst Criteria

Although the IMD has not officially declared the event a cloudburst, multiple areas recorded rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour, meeting the criteria for a cloudburst as defined by both the IMD and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Manali recorded the highest rainfall at 160mm, followed by Korattur with 130mm.

Flights Disrupted, Rerouted Due to Flooding

The intense rainfall led to flooding in low-lying areas, causing delays for over 15 flights heading to various parts of Tamil Nadu. Four domestic flights were rerouted due to the adverse weather conditions, according to local media reports.

Monsoon Winds Bring Rainfall

Meteorologists attribute the sudden rains to the southwest monsoon winds circulating over Kerala, which extended rainfall into western Tamil Nadu and interior hill regions. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rain across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by strong winds of 40–50 km/h.

Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events

Cloudbursts, characterized by short, extremely heavy rainfall over a small area, have already caused considerable damage this year in northern states like Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar, Ramban, and Chashoti, as well as Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. This event in Chennai underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the need for robust disaster preparedness measures.