Chennai, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chennai, has predicted widespread rainfall throughout Tamil Nadu over the coming days. On Tuesday, heavy rain is anticipated in 16 districts.

The weather agency has also issued a warning that the period of intense rainfall may persist until October 19, impacting both the Western Ghats and various interior areas.

As per an official press release, substantial rain is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday in the mountainous regions of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni, and Tenkasi. The bulletin further indicates that the hilly regions of Tiruppur district, along with Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tiruchirappalli, Kallakurichi, and Tiruvannamalai are also likely to experience significant rainfall.

For October 15 and 16, the department has extended its alert to the hilly areas of Tirunelveli and the coastal districts of Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and Sivaganga, while isolated heavy showers are anticipated in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.

The RMC noted that the ongoing low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the movement of easterly winds are enhancing rainfall activity.

Chennai is expected to receive moderate rain over the next two days, with thunder and lightning potentially striking in certain areas.

This latest forecast comes on the heels of a series of heavy rainfall events across Tamil Nadu in recent weeks.

Several locations in Coimbatore and Tiruppur had previously experienced flash floods earlier this month, damaging roads and disrupting traffic. In Salem and Erode districts, continuous rain has led to rising water levels in local reservoirs, prompting authorities to release excess water from minor dams as a precaution.

Meanwhile, the Nilgiris district administration remains vigilant after multiple landslides were reported near Coonoor and Kotagiri last week, leading to temporary road closures. The Disaster Management Department has urged residents in hilly and low-lying areas to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Farmers have been advised to secure harvested crops and reinforce bunds around paddy fields.

With widespread rainfall expected through the weekend, the state government has instructed District Collectors to maintain 24/7 monitoring and ensure readiness of relief teams.