IMD predicts rain in Tamil Nadu; orange alert issued for five districts

IMD predicts rain in Tamil Nadu; orange alert issued for five districts

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast continued rainfall across Tamil Nadu, with an orange alert issued for five districts as a low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours.

Several districts, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu, which have already experienced above-normal rainfall due to a previous low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, are likely to receive more rain until May 30. The system is expected to move slowly northward toward Bangladesh and Myanmar in the coming days, bringing significant rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu. A brief pause in rainfall activity is expected from June 1.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the ghat areas of Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Theni, and Nilgiris districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall and urging residents to remain alert for potentially disruptive weather.

Heavy rain is also expected in Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Kanyakumari districts.

From March 1 to May 27, Tamil Nadu has recorded 96% excess rainfall. According to the IMD’s latest forecast, the state is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during the ongoing southwest monsoon, while daytime temperatures in June are expected to remain below average.

The early onset of the monsoon, coupled with frequent thunderstorms, has brought relief from the intense summer heat. Notably, Chennai has so far avoided crossing the 40°C mark this year. Temperature data indicates that most of May—the peak summer month—has remained below normal across the state.