Chennai, June 4 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of very heavy rainfall in Kanyakumari district and heavy rain in several other parts of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, as the southwest monsoon is set to make its onset over neighbouring Kerala.

According to the weather department, Kanyakumari is likely to receive very heavy rainfall over the next five days under the influence of strengthening monsoon conditions.

Heavy rain has also been forecast for Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts, besides the hilly and adjoining regions of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai districts.

The forecast comes after widespread rainfall across several districts of Tamil Nadu over the past two days, bringing significant relief from the intense summer heat.

In Chengalpattu district, the Madurantakam region witnessed heavy showers for the second consecutive day. Rainfall was reported from Acharapakkam, Melmaruvathur, Sothupakkam and surrounding areas, resulting in a marked drop in temperatures and pleasant weather conditions.

Ranipet district also experienced widespread rainfall. Areas including Sholinghur, Arakkonam, Walajah, Melvisharam, Arcot and Nemili received steady showers, much to the relief of residents who had been enduring hot and humid weather.

In Tirupattur district, temperatures remained high during the daytime before dark clouds gathered over Vaniyambadi and nearby localities in the evening.

Heavy rain lashed Periyapettai, Kacheri Road, Perumalpet, New Town, Janathapuram and Chettiyappanur for more than 30 minutes, providing respite from the heat.

Meanwhile, Kotagiri in the Nilgiris district recorded more than an hour of rainfall accompanied by dense mist.

Reduced visibility forced motorists to switch on headlights while driving. The sudden drop in temperature and chilly conditions affected normal outdoor activities in the hill station.

Weather officials said the advancing southwest monsoon is expected to enhance rainfall activity across southern and western Tamil Nadu in the coming days.

The IMD has also forecast moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Chennai and its suburban areas during the next 24 hours, offering relief to residents from the prevailing hot weather conditions.

–IANS

aal/dpb