The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in 22 districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, under the influence of a cyclonic circulation persisting over south Kerala and adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu.
According to the weather department, the system is expected to sustain rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next week, with widespread showers likely in several regions and heavy rainfall anticipated in western, central and southern districts.
The districts likely to receive heavy rain include Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Karur, Namakkal, Erode, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.
Meteorologists said the rainfall could be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity.
The RMC has also forecast continued heavy rainfall in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu over the next two days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, heavy showers are likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Tiruppur, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Erode, Namakkal and Salem districts. Similar weather conditions are expected in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai districts.
Officials said the cyclonic circulation is drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions, leading to enhanced cloud formation and widespread rainfall across the state. The prevailing system is expected to keep conditions favourable for rain in many districts throughout the week.
For Chennai, the forecast indicates generally cloudy skies, with hot and humid conditions likely to persist. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius. While significant rainfall is not forecast for the state capital, isolated light showers may occur in some parts of the city and its suburbs.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those in low-lying and hilly areas, to remain alert, follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions as heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected in several districts over the coming days.
(With inputs from IANS)
