Tamil Nadu heavy rain is likely in seven districts and Karaikal on Diwali, November 8, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in coastal and southern parts of the state, while several other districts may receive light rain, according to the Chennai Meteorological Centre.
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi are expected to receive heavy rain on Sunday. The forecast also covers Karaikal. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivaganga, Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari may receive light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The weather centre attributed the conditions to an atmospheric circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining coastal areas of Kerala. The system is expected to bring rain and gusty winds to the districts identified in the heavy-rain forecast.
The forecast comes as several parts of Tamil Nadu have already recorded rain in recent days. Chennai has experienced intermittent showers. The weather has increased the need for caution on roads and at open public locations during Diwali travel and celebrations, particularly in districts where lightning and strong winds are expected.
The state recorded 22 centimetres of rain between October 1 and November 1, according to a statement cited by Dinamalar from Chennai Meteorological Centre director Durai. This was 18 per cent above normal for the period. The official also said that the northeast monsoon could be more active in November and that moderate to heavy rain was possible after November 7.
For Monday, November 9, heavy rain with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds is forecast in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Madurai, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari may receive light rain. The Chennai Meteorological Centre has not announced any further measures in the supplied report.
