Chennai, July 8 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rainfall over the Western Ghats districts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, with isolated places likely to receive thundershowers accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

The weather conditions are being influenced by a low-pressure trough extending from southern Gujarat to central Kerala, the IMD said.

According to the latest weather bulletin, one or two places along the Western Ghats are likely to experience moderate rain, with thunderstorms and strong surface winds during the next 48 hours.

The weather system is expected to bring unstable atmospheric conditions over the hilly districts, prompting authorities and residents to remain alert, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and localised flooding.

For the rest of Tamil Nadu as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry, the IMD has forecast light rainfall at isolated locations during the same period.

While widespread heavy rain is not expected outside the Western Ghats, brief spells of showers could occur in several districts due to local weather conditions.

In Chennai and its suburban areas, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy over the next two days. However, the city is unlikely to witness any significant rainfall, with only isolated light showers possible in some localities. Daytime weather is expected to remain warm and humid despite the cloud cover.

The IMD has also predicted that maximum temperatures across several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the Karaikal region are likely to remain above normal by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels may result in uncomfortable weather conditions, particularly in coastal and interior plains.

Meteorologists said the prevailing low-pressure trough stretching from southern Gujarat to central Kerala continues to influence moisture transport over southern India, creating favourable conditions for rain over the Western Ghats while limiting precipitation elsewhere in the state.

Residents in the hilly districts have been advised to exercise caution during periods of thunderstorms and avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas if heavy showers develop.

The IMD has also urged people to take precautions against lightning and strong winds during thunderstorm activity. The department said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving weather pattern and issue updated forecasts or warnings if conditions change significantly over the coming days.

–IANS

aal/dpb