Chennai, June 2 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in 22 districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, as a cyclonic circulation persists over south Kerala and adjoining Tamil Nadu regions.

The weather system is expected to influence rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next week.

According to the weather department, widespread rainfall is likely across several parts of the state, with heavy showers expected in western, central and southern districts. The forecast comes amid strengthening monsoon activity over the southern peninsula and favourable atmospheric conditions for the development of thunderstorms.

The districts likely to receive heavy rainfall include Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Karur, Namakkal, Erode, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.

Meteorologists said the rain could be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated locations, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution during periods of thunderstorm activity.

The weather department has also predicted that heavy rainfall will continue in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu over the next two days.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, districts including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Tiruppur, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Erode, Namakkal and Salem are expected to receive heavy rain. Similar weather conditions are likely in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai districts.

Officials said the cyclonic circulation over south Kerala and adjoining Tamil Nadu is drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions, resulting in increased cloud formation and widespread rainfall activity.

The system is expected to keep weather conditions favourable for rain across many districts throughout the week.

For Chennai, the forecast indicates generally cloudy skies for the day, with hot and humid weather likely to prevail. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius. While no major rainfall has been forecast for the state capital, isolated light showers may occur in some parts of the city and its suburbs.

Authorities have advised people living in low-lying and hilly areas to remain alert, monitor official weather bulletins and take necessary precautions as heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected in several districts over the coming days.

–IANS

aal/dpb