Cyclonic System Set to Drench Tamil Nadu, Heavy Rain Alert for Several Districts

An active upper air cyclonic circulation over north coastal Tamil Nadu is set to bring widespread rainfall across several parts of the state, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds in a number of districts over the coming days.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Kanyakumari , and the ghat areas of Tirunelveli district . The weather activity is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph , prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.

The rainfall is being driven by a combination of the strengthening southwest monsoon and the upper air cyclonic circulation currently prevailing over the region. Meteorologists say the system is enhancing moisture inflow and creating favourable conditions for sustained rain activity across parts of Tamil Nadu.

The expected showers are also likely to provide relief from the summer heat. Weather officials have predicted that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal could fall by around two degrees Celsius , making conditions noticeably cooler in many districts.

During the last 24 hours, Neyyoor in Kanyakumari district recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 11 cm , while the scenic Manjolai region in Tirunelveli district received 10 cm of rain, highlighting the increasing intensity of monsoon activity in southern parts of Tamil Nadu.

The impact of the active monsoon has already been reflected in temperature readings across the state. No district recorded temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius , a significant indication of the cooling effect brought by cloud cover and rainfall. Ariyalur registered the state's highest maximum temperature at 38.8 degrees Celsius .

With monsoon systems becoming more active, weather experts expect intermittent spells of rain to continue across several regions, offering much-needed respite to residents while boosting water resources and supporting agricultural activities in the state.