Chennai, Sep 19 (IANS) Eleven districts in Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, are likely to receive heavy rain on Saturday, according to a forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre.
The weather office attributed the anticipated rainfall to a trough extending from Maharashtra to the southeast Arabian Sea.
Under its influence, widespread rain is expected across several parts of Tamil Nadu, with some districts likely to experience thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts are expected to receive heavy rain until September 22. Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert as intense spells of rain could lead to waterlogging and disruption of traffic.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is also likely at isolated places in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Vellore, Kallakurichi and Madurai districts today.
Moderate rainfall has been forecast for districts along the Western Ghats and several other parts of the state. Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu are also likely to experience intermittent showers during the day.
Similar weather conditions are expected in Cuddalore, Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts.
Rainfall may vary in intensity from one locality to another, with short but intense spells possible in some areas. The weather office has warned that another spell of heavy rain is likely to affect several districts tomorrow.
Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Madurai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur and Vellore have been placed under a heavy-rain alert.
Cloudy conditions are expected to prevail in many parts of the state, while thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and evening.
Gusty winds may accompany rain in the interior and western districts. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution during intense spells because of reduced visibility and the possibility of waterlogging on roads.
Farmers have also been urged to take precautionary measures to protect harvested crops and agricultural produce stored in the open.
District administrations are expected to monitor rainfall levels and respond to any localised flooding or weather-related emergencies. The public has been advised to follow official weather updates and avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms.
—IANS
aal/rad