Tamil Nadu rain alert: IMD warns of heavy showers in 8 districts as monsoon advances

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a heavy rain alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu as a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal continues to strengthen rainfall activity across the state. The weather update comes shortly after the official onset of the southwest monsoon, with multiple regions already receiving summer showers and thunderstorms.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, heavy rainfall is likely in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris on Sunday and Monday. Karur, Tiruchy and Sivaganga districts are also expected to receive heavy showers on Monday as the weather system remains active over the Bay of Bengal.

Officials said the prevailing low-pressure area is expected to sustain rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu for at least the next three days. Interior and western parts of the state are likely to witness moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The weather department also warned of lightning and wind speeds reaching up to 40 kmph in isolated areas during rainfall activity. Residents in affected districts have been advised to stay alert and follow the latest IMD weather updates.

What is causing the heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu?

Meteorologists said the rain activity is being driven by a low-pressure system persisting over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The system has already triggered scattered summer showers in several parts of Tamil Nadu, bringing temporary relief from intense heat conditions recorded over the past few weeks.

Chennai and nearby suburban regions are expected to receive light rain and cloudy conditions during the day. While widespread heavy rainfall is not forecast for the city at present, intermittent showers are likely to reduce daytime temperatures.

The IMD has also issued a caution for fishermen due to rough sea conditions across multiple coastal regions.

Strong winds with speeds reaching up to 60 kmph are likely over south Tamil Nadu coastal areas, the Gulf of Mannar, the Kanyakumari sea region, the Andaman Sea and parts of the south Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these sea regions until weather conditions improve.

Authorities also urged coastal residents to remain cautious as the monsoon weather system continues to intensify across southern India.

With IANS inputs