Chennai, June 27 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across six districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday as an upper-air trough extending from coastal Andhra Pradesh to central Maharashtra continues to influence weather conditions over southern India.

According to the weather department, the upper-air trough stretches from coastal Andhra Pradesh to central Maharashtra through Telangana and adjoining regions.

Under its influence, scattered rainfall is expected across several parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal, over the next week.

The RMC has specifically predicted heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvannamalai, and Ranipet districts on Saturday.

Residents in these areas have been advised to remain cautious as the combination of heavy showers and strong winds could lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and localized damage.

The weather system is also expected to bring widespread rainfall to several southern and western districts in the coming days. On Sunday, heavy rainfall is likely over the hilly regions of Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli districts.

Similar weather conditions are forecast for the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, and Kanyakumari districts, where moderate to heavy rain is expected.

Meteorologists said the prevailing atmospheric conditions are enhancing moisture inflow into Tamil Nadu, resulting in widespread rainfall activity.

While the showers are expected to provide relief from the prevailing heat, authorities have cautioned that intense rainfall in some areas could cause temporary flooding in low-lying regions and disrupt normal life.

Meanwhile, the weather department has issued a marine warning for fishermen operating along the southern Tamil Nadu coast. Strong winds with speeds of up to 60 kmph are likely to prevail over the South Tamil Nadu coastal waters, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin Sea until June 30.

Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into these waters during the warning period due to rough sea conditions and the possibility of squally weather.

Officials are closely monitoring the evolving weather system and have urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and follow advisories issued by local authorities to ensure safety during the spell of adverse weather.

—IANS

aal/rad