The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for seven districts in Tamil Nadu, warning of extremely heavy rain on Monday.
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area that developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lankan coast on Sunday morning has since intensified and is moving towards the Tamil Nadu coast.
Weather models indicate that the system is likely to move west-northwestwards over the next 24 hours, bringing widespread rainfall to several parts of the state.
For today, the IMD has forecast moderate thunderstorms and light to moderate rain across many coastal and interior districts. On Tuesday, similar conditions,accompanied by thunder and lightning, are expected in both southern and northern districts.
The districts placed under orange alert for the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur, along with the Karaikal region. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain cautious, avoid waterlogged stretches, and follow local safety advisories.
Meanwhile, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and the Union Territory of Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rain today.
For Tuesday, heavy rainfall is predicted in the southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Theni.
In Chennai and its suburbs, skies are expected to remain overcast, with some localities likely to witness heavy to very heavy showers.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has placed its field teams on alert to manage possible waterlogging, and residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall.
(With inputs from IANS)