The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast moderate rainfall in parts of southern Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats region till March 1, following the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
According to an official release issued by the India Meteorological Department, a low-pressure area formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining central parts of the Bay on the morning of February 23. The system is expected to weaken gradually while moving in a north-easterly direction.
The weather office said a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea off the south Kerala coast is also likely to influence weather conditions over adjoining regions. Under the combined impact of these systems, moderate rainfall is expected at one or two places across southern Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats districts, and nearby areas from February 24 to March 1.
The department also released rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours. Sankarankovil in Tenkasi district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 40 mm. Several locations, including Perunchani Dam in Kanniyakumari district, Sivalogam, Kuzhithurai, Surulacode, and Puthen Dam, received 30 mm of rainfall.
Rainfall of around 20 mm was recorded at Kayathar in Thoothukudi district, Palamore in Kanniyakumari, Tirupathisaram, Chittar, Sivagiri in Thoothukudi district, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi town, and parts of Madurai district.
The IMD has advised fishermen to exercise caution as squally weather conditions are likely over the northern parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining southwest, central, and east-central Bay of Bengal. Wind speeds in these areas may reach up to 60 kilometres per hour.
Authorities have urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the specified sea areas during this period due to rough sea conditions.
The weather department said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving systems and issue further updates as required. Residents in southern districts have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories in view of intermittent rainfall over the coming days. (IANS)
