NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JULY 2
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for parts of western Tamil Nadu over the next two days, forecasting intense showers in the hill districts of Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Theni under the influence of an active weather system stretching from southern Gujarat to Karnataka.
- Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Theni likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days as an active weather system intensifies monsoon activity across western Tamil Nadu
- Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast across several districts, prompting authorities to urge caution in vulnerable hill and low-lying regions
- Residents in landslide-prone areas advised to avoid unnecessary travel, while district administrations remain on alert for possible waterlogging and rain-related disruptions
- Chennai expected to witness partly cloudy skies with light to moderate showers and relatively cooler daytime temperatures, offering respite from recent humid conditions.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, the trough extending across peninsular India, coupled with moisture-laden westerly winds, is expected to significantly enhance rainfall activity over several districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The IMD said moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds is likely at one or two places across the State and Union Territory on Thursday.
The weather is expected to intensify on Friday, with heavy rainfall forecast at isolated locations in the hilly areas of Coimbatore district, the Nilgiris and Theni district.
The Department has indicated that the Western Ghats are likely to witness the most intense spells of rain as moist monsoon winds interact with the prevailing atmospheric system, creating favourable conditions for sustained precipitation.
Rainfall activity is expected to continue into Saturday, when Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Kanniyakumari are also likely to experience heavy showers at isolated places.
The IMD has cautioned that heavy rain in the hill regions could trigger waterlogging, localized flooding, minor landslides and traffic disruptions, particularly in vulnerable catchment areas and steep terrain.
Residents living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and strictly follow advisories issued by district administrations.
The Department has also warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds may occur in isolated parts of Tamil Nadu during the forecast period. People have been advised to stay indoors whenever possible during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and exercise adequate caution while outdoors.
Meanwhile, Chennai is expected to experience partly cloudy skies with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall in some localities. The city’s maximum temperature is likely to remain below 37 degrees Celsius, bringing welcome relief from the recent spell of hot and humid weather.
The Meteorological Department said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and issue further forecasts and advisories as conditions develop.
Officials have appealed to the public to regularly follow official IMD weather bulletins and comply with safety instructions issued by local authorities to minimise the impact of adverse weather.
