Chennai, Nov 24 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is preparing for a prolonged period of severe rainfall as three major weather systems over the Indian Ocean are gaining strength, with a chance of a cyclonic storm developing over the south Bay of Bengal in the next 48 hours.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has released several alerts, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall across various districts in the upcoming days.

Speaking to the press, RMC Director A. Amudha stated that three cyclonic circulations have emerged over different areas of the Indian Ocean.

A deep depression that originated in the Andaman Sea on Sunday has shifted west-northwest and is currently located near the waters of Malaysia and the Malacca Strait.

This system is projected to continue moving in a west-northwest path and is expected to regain strength into a deep depression over the south Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. Following this, it is likely to evolve into a cyclonic storm over the south Bay of Bengal within 48 hours, Amudha said.

Simultaneously, the low-pressure trough over the Kanyakumari region remains active.

As a result of its influence, a new low-pressure area is anticipated to form on November 25 over the Kanyakumari Sea and adjacent southwestern Sri Lankan waters of the Bay of Bengal. This system may also strengthen thereafter.

A third atmospheric circulation over the Arabian Sea is still active, creating a unique situation of three interconnected weather systems affecting the regional climate.

"There are signs that these systems might interact, altering their movement and intensity," Amudha added.

Tamil Nadu has already experienced widespread heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours as the northeast monsoon has intensified. Four locations reported very heavy rain, while 15 locations recorded heavy rainfall, and 76 locations experienced moderate to heavy showers.

The RMC has issued orange alerts for Tenkasi and Tirunelveli, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas, particularly in the hilly regions.

On November 25, heavy rainfall is expected in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts.

On November 26, seven districts are forecasted to receive heavy rainfall, followed by intensified showers over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam on November 27.

The IMD has also issued orange alerts for Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam on November 28, warning of very heavy rain across seven northern coastal districts on November 29. The Meteorological Centre has advised residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and adhere to official advisories as the weather systems develop.