Heavy rain warning issued for six Tamil Nadu districts; Wet weather likely across state for a week

Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a heavy rain warning for six districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, with meteorologists forecasting widespread rainfall activity across the state over the next several days. The alert comes as a weather system over neighbouring Kerala strengthens monsoon conditions, raising the possibility of intense showers, strong winds and localised disruptions in vulnerable areas.

According to the latest forecast, the hill regions of Tirunelveli and the districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dindigul, Theni and Kanniyakumari are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Sunday. Gusty winds are also expected to accompany the showers in isolated locations.

The weather department attributed the rainfall surge to an upper-air cyclonic circulation currently prevailing over north Kerala. The system is enhancing moisture inflow across southern India and is expected to keep weather conditions favourable for rain over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal in the coming days.

Heavy rain warning extended to more districts

The rain alert is set to continue into Monday, with additional districts expected to experience intense weather conditions. The RMC has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu, including the hill areas of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai and Sivaganga districts.

Officials said the combination of active southwest monsoon conditions and the prevailing atmospheric circulation is likely to sustain rainfall activity across large parts of the state for at least a week.

Apart from districts under the heavy rain warning, moderate rainfall is expected across sections of the Western Ghats, the Cauvery delta region and several northern districts. Intermittent showers are also likely in many interior areas, with cloud cover and changing weather patterns expected to persist through the week.

Authorities have advised residents in districts under warning to remain cautious, especially those living in hilly terrain, landslide-prone locations and low-lying areas vulnerable to waterlogging. Localised flooding, traffic disruptions and temporary interruptions to daily activities cannot be ruled out if rainfall intensifies.

Chennai weather forecast

For Chennai, the weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies with the possibility of moderate rain in some parts of the city. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur in isolated areas during the day.

While no major warning has been issued for the capital, the expected showers are likely to bring relief from the recent spell of heat and humidity.

With IANS inputs