Chennai, Aug 3 (IANS) Six districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive heavy rain on Monday as an upper-air weather system continues to influence conditions across the state, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds also forecast in several areas.
The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Theni, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts, besides the ghat areas of Coimbatore district.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely in these regions.
Strong surface winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph may occur during thunderstorms, prompting authorities to advise residents, particularly those in hilly and exposed areas, to remain cautious.
The prevailing weather conditions have been attributed to an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending from interior Karnataka across Tamil Nadu to the Comorin Sea. The system is currently positioned at an altitude of about 5.8 km above mean sea level and is expected to support rain activity over different parts of the state.
Apart from the six districts where heavier spells are expected, moderate rainfall is likely at several places across the Western Ghats districts, the Cauvery delta region and the northern coastal belt of Tamil Nadu on Monday.
Similar weather is expected to continue on Tuesday, with moderate rainfall forecast over the Western Ghats districts, delta districts and the northern coastal districts. Rainfall intensity, however, is expected to vary from place to place depending on local atmospheric conditions.
The possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds has raised concerns over temporary disruptions in some areas.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution during lightning and avoid taking shelter under trees or near vulnerable structures when thunderstorms occur.
In Chennai and its neighbouring areas, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy during the day. The city could experience moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the evening or night.
The latest spell comes amid continuing rainfall activity across parts of Tamil Nadu during the southwest monsoon period. The Western Ghats and adjoining districts have witnessed intermittent showers in recent days, while isolated spells have also been reported across northern and coastal areas.
Authorities are expected to closely monitor rainfall in the vulnerable hill regions, particularly in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, where intense spells can trigger waterlogging and affect traffic along ghat roads.
–IANS
aal/dpb