Tamil Nadu weather alert: Heavy rain expected in four southern districts

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in isolated areas across four southern districts of Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari, on Wednesday.

The IMD attributed the rainfall to a trough of low pressure persisting over the southeast Arabian Sea. According to the latest bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, the atmospheric disturbance is expected to bring widespread showers to the southern coastal belt, particularly in the hilly regions of Tirunelveli district.

The department cautioned that parts of the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli could experience intense spells of rain, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds during the evening hours.

“The trough of low pressure over the southeast Arabian Sea is continuing to influence the southern parts of the State. Due to this, one or two places in Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall today,” the RMC said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the sky over Chennai is expected to remain partly cloudy, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely in a few areas during the late afternoon or night. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain near 26°C, the department added.

Unlike the previous week, no warning has been issued for fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast or adjoining sea areas, as wind conditions are expected to remain moderate and the sea generally calm. However, fishermen have been advised to stay alert to updated forecasts, as weather conditions could shift over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days.

The IMD also noted that the prevailing easterly wind pattern may bring occasional light showers to other southern and interior districts through midweek.

Officials have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious, as isolated heavy downpours could cause waterlogging in vulnerable regions. With the northeast monsoon remaining active across Tamil Nadu, unsettled weather is likely to persist in the state’s southern districts over the next few days.

IANS