Heavy rain forecast in 10 TN districts

THE Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued a heavy rain alert for 10 districts in Tamil Nadu on March 1.

The forecast predicts heavy rainfall due to easterly winds, particularly affecting various coastal districts.

According to the weather department, dry weather will be experienced in isolated areas over the next 24 hours.

However, heavy rainfall is expected in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari. The maximum temperature is expected to rise by 2°C to 3°C above normal in isolated areas over the next three days.

Additionally, near-normal to slightly above-normal rainfall is forecast for southern Tamil Nadu, delta regions, and adjoining districts until March 6.

Following the heavy rain alert, the Tamil Nadu government has directed district collectors in the delta region to coordinate with various departments and implement precautionary measures.

Officials have been instructed to relocate paddy stocks stored at procurement centres to safer locations. The state government has issued a heavy rain warning for the delta districts until March 6.

Parts of southern Tamil Nadu have already experienced rainfall, which is expected to intensify. Meanwhile, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over south Kerala at 3.1 km above mean sea level has weakened, but prevailing conditions will still bring heavy rain to the 10 districts.

During the ongoing northeast monsoon season, Tamil Nadu has recorded 14% excess rainfall, receiving 447 mm against the average of 393 mm. Chennai has recorded 845 mm, which is 16% above the seasonal average, while Coimbatore has witnessed a 47% increase in rainfall.