Moderate to heavy showers bring relief across the state, and damage is reported in Kallakurichi paddy fields
Chennai, May 19 – Widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and its suburbs, brought much-needed respite to residents grappling with summer heat. Several regions experienced moderate to isolated heavy showers overnight, as an upper air circulation over the Bay of Bengal moved towards the Tamil Nadu coast.The rainfall extended into Monday morning, catching many office-goers off guard, especially in districts like Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ulundurpet, and Mayiladuthurai. Temperatures saw a significant dip following the showers, offering temporary relief from the heatwave conditions.
In Kallakurichi district, incessant rain over the past two days has led to waterlogging in Sankarapuram, affecting paddy crops spread across nearly 500 acres, according to local sources.
IMD Forecast: Rain Alerts Issued Till May 24
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for Monday. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in the districts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri.For Tuesday, the IMD has warned of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
The weather agency has also issued a heavy rainfall alert at isolated locations in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, and Tiruchirappalli districts through May 24.
Residents are advised to stay updated on local weather alerts and exercise caution, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging and flash floods.