IMD issues rain, thunderstorm alert for Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for several districts across Tamil Nadu, warning of light to moderate rainfall, lightning, and localized weather-related disruptions. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai said these conditions may lead to waterlogging, slippery roads, and traffic disruptions in affected areas. As of 1pm, the IMD said Theni, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, and Kanyakumari districts were likely to witness light to moderate rain, while heavy rain was also expected in some areas of seven Tamil Nadu districts later in the day. On Friday night, heavy rainfall in Tiruppur district led to water entering several homes, prompting the municipal corporation to launch drainage operations. According to IMD data, Tiruppur North recorded 11 cm, while Kozhiporvilai station in Kanyakumari logged a significant 19 cm of rain. Several other districts reported notable rainfall figures: Earlier on Friday, rainfall was reported in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and Telangana, with dry weather persisting in Mahe and Yanam, IMD said. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures in several southern states saw a drop, with Tamil Nadu recording temperatures 2 to 5°C below normal in some areas. Kerala saw a dip of 1 to 2°C, Telangana experienced a drop of 2 to 6°C, Rayalaseema by 2 to 4°C, and Interior Karnataka by 3 to 6°C. Elsewhere, temperatures remained near normal, according to the IMD’s latest update.