Chennai, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a warning of significant rainfall across nine districts in Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, and Tiruppur, as the northeast monsoon intensifies in the region.

Officials suggest that numerous western and southern districts are likely to encounter moderate to heavy showers on Saturday. The districts affected include Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, and Karur. The forecast indicates the possibility of isolated instances of heavy rainfall in select locations within these areas.

On Sunday, the weather office predicts that heavy rain may also occur in one or two spots in the districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Theni, and Tenkasi. These regions are expected to continue experiencing rainfall, along with thunder and lightning in certain areas.

In the 24 hours concluding at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, the Tirunelveli district reported the highest rainfall, with Nalumukku recording 16 cm of rain, the most in the state. This was succeeded by Oothu with 15 cm and Kakachi with 14 cm. Manjolai reported 11 cm, while Kalakkad in Tirunelveli logged 9 cm, and several other areas in the district received around 8 cm of rainfall.

Officials noted that the widespread precipitation has provided relief to drought-stricken regions in southern Tamil Nadu. However, ongoing downpours in hilly areas have raised concerns regarding landslides and waterlogging. The Nilgiris district administration is on high alert to oversee vulnerable slopes and low-lying regions.

In Chennai and surrounding areas, the sky is anticipated to be partly cloudy, with light to moderate rain expected in some locales, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

The regional weather office indicated that coastal winds from the east and increased moisture levels are likely to improve rainfall prospects during the evening hours.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents in the impacted districts to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during intense showers. Fishermen are also urged to be careful, as rough seas are predicted along the western and southern coastlines.