Chennai: Rainfall is set to return to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next 24 hours, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Saturday forecasting heavy showers at isolated locations in the delta districts of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukottai.

According to the RMC bulletin, thunderstorms and lightning are likely at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the period.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian said the North East Monsoon, which set in on October 16, has so far brought 30 cm of rainfall to Tamil Nadu.

The weather office further noted that light to moderate rain is likely at a few places in coastal Tamil Nadu and at isolated locations in interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with a chance of thunderstorms and lightning in one or two areas.

An Upper Air Circulation previously positioned over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has now shifted to South Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, extending up to 4.5 km above sea level.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between November 15 and 16, as squally conditions with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are expected along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin region.

In rainfall recorded over the 24-hour period ending 10:45 am Saturday, Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district received the highest at 8 cm, followed by Oothu and Radhapuram in Tirunelveli, and Kayapattinam in Tuticorin, each registering 7 cm.

Tiruppur North, Palladam, Tiruppur South and Uthukuli reported the lowest rainfall at 1 cm, the bulletin added.

For Chennai and neighbouring districts, the RMC said the sky would remain partly cloudy, with light rain likely in some areas over the next 24 hours.