CHENNAI: IMD has issued the onset of the southwest monsoon, while the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next few days due to prevailing weather systems over the Bay of Bengal. After several parts of the state received summer showers on Saturday, bringing relief from intense heat, the weather department on Sunday issued a fresh advisory warning of heavy rainfall in five districts.The IMD on Friday forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon within the next 24 hours.“After five days, the westerlies may arrive due to the onset of monsoon. Weather models show this may lead to rise in temperature over north TN,” the IMD official said. According to the Chennai Meteorological Department, a low-pressure area persisting over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to influence weather conditions and continue rainfall activity for at least three more days. Officials said the weather system is likely to bring moderate to heavy rainfall in the interior and western regions of Tamil Nadu. Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday. The department also said Karur, Tiruchy and Sivaganga districts may witness heavy rainfall on Monday. Authorities further warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph are likely in isolated places during rainfall activity. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to remain cautious and follow weather updates issued by authorities. Chennai and its suburban areas are also likely to receive light rainfall during the day. Though widespread heavy rain is not expected in the city, cloudy skies and occasional showers may provide relief from rising temperatures. The weather department also warned fishermen against venturing into several sea regions due to rough weather conditions. Strong winds reaching up to 60 kmph are likely over the south Tamil Nadu coastal areas, the Gulf of Mannar, Kanyakumari Sea region, Andaman Sea and parts of the south Bay of Bengal. Authorities urged fishermen and coastal residents to remain alert and strictly follow safety advisories until weather conditions improve.
