Tamil Nadu Weather Update: Heavy Rain Alert Issued as Southwest Monsoon Strengthens

The Southwest Monsoon is set to intensify across Tamil Nadu , with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasting heavy rainfall in more than 10 districts from June 21 as an upper air circulation and trough continue to influence weather conditions over the region.

According to the latest weather bulletin, a significant shift in weather patterns is expected from Sunday, marking a stronger monsoon presence across the state. The RMC has predicted heavy rain at isolated places in the districts of Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul and Kanyakumari , as well as the ghat areas of Tirunelveli district .

Meteorologists said the enhanced monsoon activity is likely to bring widespread cloud cover and sustained rainfall, particularly along the Western Ghats region , which traditionally receives substantial precipitation during the southwest monsoon season.

The weather agency also noted that the rainfall is expected to provide relief from prevailing heat conditions, with maximum temperatures likely to drop by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in several rain-affected districts over the coming days.

Meanwhile, rainfall activity has already picked up in parts of the state. During the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, Kalasapakkam in Tiruvannamalai district recorded the highest rainfall of 9 cm , followed by Kakkudi in Ramanathapuram district with 8 cm .

The RMC has also issued an advisory for fishermen, warning of squally winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph along the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin areas. Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution while venturing into the sea.

In Chennai and its suburban areas, residents can expect some respite from the heat, with light to moderate evening showers accompanied by thunder and lightning at isolated locations over the next few days.