Heavy rain forecast for Tamil Nadu for the next two days; eight districts on alert for Diwali

The weather department said a trough extending from the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala towards south interior Karnataka is influencing weather conditions across the state. The system is expected to bring widespread rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

For Saturday, November 7, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Madurai, Theni and Dindigul districts. These areas may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.

Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds has been forecast in Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram.

Similar conditions are expected in parts of Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal. Other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive isolated light showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

Eight Districts Face Heavy Rain Alert on Sunday

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify on Sunday, November 8, when Deepavali will be celebrated across the state.

The RMC has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in eight districts: Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.

These districts may also witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, potentially affecting outdoor celebrations and travel during the festival.

Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is also expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli, besides Puducherry.

The forecast indicates that coastal and southern districts could experience relatively widespread rainfall during the festival period, while several interior areas may receive intermittent showers.

Light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also likely at isolated places elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.

The warning comes as people across the state prepare for Deepavali-related travel, shopping and outdoor celebrations, with the possibility of lightning and gusty winds adding to the weather-related concerns.