Chennai, Aug 24 (IANS) Moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, is likely across Chennai, Chengalpattu, and several other districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday, while heavy showers are forecast at isolated places in the hill regions of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.
The Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre said a weak low-pressure system persisted in the lower levels of the atmosphere over the coastal region of Tamil Nadu. The system is expected to bring unsettled weather to parts of the state and neighbouring Puducherry.
According to the forecast, moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely at isolated places in the Western Ghats districts as well as Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Ranipet on Monday. Similar weather, accompanied by strong surface winds, has also been predicted in parts of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Salem, Madurai and Tirupattur districts, besides Puducherry.
The weather office said rainfall would be scattered and might vary considerably from one locality to another. The hill areas of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris could receive heavier spells.
Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at one or two places in these regions on Monday and Tuesday. Residents and travellers in the hill districts have been advised to remain alert to sudden changes in weather, particularly during periods of thunder and intense rainfall.
Daytime temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to remain close to normal until August 27. No significant departure from the seasonal temperature pattern has been forecast during this period, although cloudy conditions and intermittent showers could offer temporary relief from the heat in some areas.
The Meteorological Department has also warned of rough conditions over the sea for the next four days.
Squally winds with speeds reaching up to 65 km per hour are likely along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining parts of the Comorin Sea.
Fishermen and operators of small boats have been urged to exercise caution and closely follow official marine weather advisories before venturing into the affected waters.
Those already at sea should remain alert to sudden strengthening of winds and deterioration in visibility during rain or thunderstorms.
Isolated showers may also occur elsewhere in the state during the forecast period as well.
–IANS
aal/dpb
