Chennai: The southwest monsoon is poised to advance further into Tamil Nadu, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasting widespread rainfall across several parts of the state in the coming days, especially along the Western Ghats.
The weather department has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.
The districts likely to witness the most intense rainfall include Nilgiris, Theni and Dindigul, along with the ghat areas of Coimbatore. Meteorologists have indicated that isolated locations in these regions could receive very heavy rainfall as monsoon activity strengthens.
The expected showers are likely to provide relief from the recent spell of hot and dry weather. However, authorities have also cautioned about the possibility of localised flooding, landslides and disruptions in vulnerable hill regions.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms has also been forecast at isolated locations in Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruppur, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Kanyakumari. Similar weather conditions are expected in the ghat regions of Tenkasi and Tirunelveli.
Officials have urged residents, particularly those living in hilly and low-lying areas, to stay alert and take precautions against possible weather-related disruptions. Strong winds and lightning may affect transportation and outdoor activities in several districts.
While western and southern parts of the state are expected to receive substantial rainfall, northern coastal regions are likely to continue experiencing uncomfortable weather. High temperatures combined with elevated humidity levels are expected to keep conditions sultry across the coastal belt.
The state capital, Chennai, remained among the hottest locations on Saturday, recording a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees Celsius. The prevailing heat and humidity are expected to persist despite the monsoon’s gradual advance.
Rainfall has already picked up in southern Tamil Nadu. Nalumukku in Tirunelveli district recorded the state’s highest rainfall during the last 24 hours at 17 cm, while Mylar in Kanyakumari district received 9 cm, reflecting the strengthening influence of the southwest monsoon across the region.
WIth inputs from IANS