Chennai and its surrounding areas are likely to receive moderate rainfall over the next two days, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).
The weather office has forecast heavy showers in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai and Sivaganga districts on Monday and Tuesday, while light to moderate rain is expected across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until September 13.
On Sunday, several districts experienced widespread showers accompanied by gusty winds and thunder. In Ranipet, Arcot, Panapakkam, Nemili, Walajapet, Kaveripakkam, Sholinghur and Arakkonam, heavy downpours disrupted daily life.
Steady rainfall in Thanjavur, Tiruvaiyaru, Ayyampettai, Papanasam, Kumbakonam and Thiruvidaimarudur brought relief to farmers awaiting irrigation. Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts also witnessed intense showers, with sudden bursts of thunder and lightning around Chidambaram and Sirkazhi. In Pudukkottai, heavy rain was reported in suburban areas such as Namanasamuthiram, Arimalam and Alangudi.
Farmers welcomed the spell, calling it timely and beneficial for standing crops. Sivaganga district, which endured sweltering heat during the day, cooled down by night after showers hit Tiruppattur, Singampunari, Nelkuppai and Manamadurai, accompanied by strong winds.
Virudhunagar district too recorded widespread rain. Aruppukkottai and nearby villages, including Palayampatti, Sukilanatham, Hovhanki and Panthalagudi, suffered power outages due to fallen lines and strong winds. In Madurai city, rainwater mixed with sewage entered homes in Avaniyapuram, causing hardship to residents.
Tourists in Kodaikanal enjoyed moderate showers, misty weather and boat rides, while Puducherry also recorded heavy rain. Localities such as Tavalakkuppam, Embalam and Pakoor witnessed waterlogging on arterial roads, slowing traffic and inconveniencing commuters.
The RMC has cautioned that heavy rainfall will persist in the western and southern districts for the next 48 hours. Chennai and its neighbouring districts will see light to moderate rain, while isolated thunderstorms and lightning are expected in interior regions.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and advised farmers to take preventive measures to safeguard their crops.
(With inputs from IANS)