Chennai, Aug 1 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in parts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday particularly across the Western Ghats region, as a weak low-pressure circulation persists over the state’s coastal areas.
According to the weather department, the districts of Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, the Nilgiris, Theni and Kanyakumari are likely to experience widespread rainfall, with heavy showers expected over the hilly and ghat regions.
Gusty winds are also expected to accompany the rain, prompting authorities to advise residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
The IMD said the weak low-pressure system prevailing over the Tamil Nadu coast is expected to sustain favourable conditions for rainfall over the Western Ghats districts during the coming days.
As a result, moderate rainfall is likely to continue in these districts until August 6.
Weather officials noted that the prevailing atmospheric conditions would keep the region under the influence of moisture-laden winds, resulting in intermittent spells of rain.
In addition to the heavy rain forecast for the hill districts, the weather department has predicted moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds at one or two places along the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.
While widespread flooding is not anticipated, isolated areas may witness brief periods of intense rainfall, particularly during evening and night hours.
The forecast also indicates changing weather conditions in Chennai.
Parts of the city are likely to receive moderate rain during the evening or night, providing temporary relief from the prevailing heat.
However, despite the possibility of showers, daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, with the maximum temperature likely to touch around 38 degrees Celsius.
Elsewhere across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, the IMD has predicted a slight fall in daytime temperatures.
Maximum temperatures are expected to decrease by up to 2 degrees Celsius over the next few days due to increased cloud cover and rainfall activity associated with the prevailing weather system.
The weather department has advised residents, particularly those living in hilly and landslide-prone regions, to remain alert to local weather advisories and exercise caution while travelling through mountainous areas during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
Authorities are also closely monitoring the evolving weather situation as rainfall activity is expected to persist across several parts of the state through the first week of August.
–IANS
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