Chennai, May 31 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the next five days, with heavy rain likely in several districts as conditions become increasingly favourable for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.

According to the weather department, the monsoon is expected to advance into Kerala within the next three to four days, aided by a cyclonic circulation prevailing over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining south Kerala at an altitude of 3.1 km to 5.8 km above sea level.

The RMC has warned of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in at least 16 districts on Monday. The districts likely to be affected include Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is also expected at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

The weather department said similar conditions are likely to continue on June 1 and June 2, with heavy rain forecast in the western and northern districts. From June 2 to June 4, rainfall activity is expected to intensify further in parts of western Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts.

Hilly areas of Tirunelveli, along with Tenkasi and Kanyakumari districts, are also expected to receive heavy showers. On June 4, heavy rain is likely over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts. Rainfall activity is expected to ease slightly on June 5 and June 6, though light to moderate showers may continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

The RMC has also issued a marine warning. Strong winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely over the Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and Comorin Sea between May 31 and June 4. Similar conditions are expected over parts of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and adjoining Arabian Sea regions.

Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the affected sea areas during the warning period.

–IANS

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