Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across several districts of Tamil Nadu over the next two days, including Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi.

Residents in these regions have been urged to remain alert as moderate to heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, light to moderate rain with lightning and thunder is likely in a few areas across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Monday.

The department warned that intermittent rain could intensify in the southern and western parts of the state, as moist winds from the Bay of Bengal continue to influence regional weather conditions.

As per the forecast, heavy rainfall is expected in Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai and Thanjavur districts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Similarly, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni and Tenkasi are also likely to experience intense showers during the same period.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai added that heavy rain is also expected on Thursday in Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Dindigul, Theni, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

While the widespread rainfall could offer temporary relief to drought-hit regions, authorities cautioned that it may also lead to waterlogging and transport disruptions in low-lying areas.

For Chennai and its suburbs, the RMC predicted isolated thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall on Monday evening. Officials clarified that no warnings have been issued for fishermen, as coastal wind speeds are expected to remain within normal limits over the coming days.

Weather experts said the prevailing conditions are in line with the active northeast monsoon over southern India. The IMD stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and issue further advisories as necessary to ensure public safety.

IANS