Tamil Nadu weather alert: IMD forecasts heavy downpours across 16 districts

Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chennai has forecast widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the coming days, with 16 districts expected to receive heavy downpours on Tuesday.

The weather department has warned that the spell of intense rain could continue until October 19, affecting both the Western Ghats and several interior regions.

According to an official press release, heavy rainfall is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday in the hilly regions of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni and Tenkasi. The bulletin also mentions that the hill belts of Tiruppur district, along with Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tiruchirappalli, Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai, may experience strong showers.

For October 15 and 16, the alert has been extended to the hilly areas of Tirunelveli and the coastal districts of Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga, while isolated heavy showers are expected in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai.

The RMC attributed the increased rainfall activity to a prevailing low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the movement of easterly winds. Chennai is expected to experience moderate rain over the next two days, with thunder and lightning in some areas.

This forecast follows a series of heavy rainfall events across Tamil Nadu in recent weeks. Parts of Coimbatore and Tiruppur have already seen flash floods earlier this month, causing road damage and traffic disruptions. In Salem and Erode districts, continuous downpours have raised water levels in local reservoirs, prompting authorities to release excess water from minor dams as a precaution.

Meanwhile, the Nilgiris district administration remains on alert after multiple landslides near Coonoor and Kotagiri last week, which led to temporary road closures. The Disaster Management Department has urged residents in hilly and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Farmers have been advised to protect harvested crops and strengthen bunds around paddy fields.

With widespread rain expected through the weekend, the state government has instructed District Collectors to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and ensure relief teams are ready.

IANS