Tamil Nadu is bracing for heavy rainfall as the Meteorological Department issues warnings for several districts across the state. According to the latest briefing from the Chennai Meteorological Centre, on February 28, 2025, ten districts are likely to experience significant downpour due to wind variations from the eastern direction.
Specifically, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, and Madurai are highlighted as regions where light to moderate rain could occur, with some areas potentially experiencing heavy rainfall. The department noted, "Today, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected in several areas of coastal Tamil Nadu and interior Tamil Nadu," indicating the weather changes expected across the region.
The alert suggests significant changes from earlier dry spells, which had brought higher temperatures, as the weather pattern shifts this week. There have been reports of scattered rainfall leading up to this warning, with some regions already experiencing thunderstorms and light rain over the past few days.
Looking forward, predictions indicate the likelihood of continued rain through the weekend, especially on March 1. The department warned, "Heavy rainfall is likely over one or two locations today across Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and others," hinting at possible extended thunderstorms as the week progresses.
Beyond February 28, light to moderate rain is forecast for various parts of Tamil Nadu on March 1 and 2, particularly affecting the southern and parts of the northern districts along with Puducherry and Karaikal. By March 3, there may be some clearing, but forecasts suggest the possibility of light rain might linger.
Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution, as the coastal areas of southern Tamil Nadu will experience high winds, with gusts reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour. The warning includes the likelihood of gale-force winds associated with developing weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal during this time.
The temperature outlook suggests stable conditions, with little change to the maxima expected from February 28 through March 3. Highs may exceed the natural average by 2-3 degrees Celsius, particularly in specific areas. Chennai is projected to see partly cloudy skies with the chance of rain spread across various localities.
Overall, with the outlook shifting and substantial rainfall expected, residents are urged to remain alert and prepared as the weather progresses. Updates will continue to emerge from the Meteorological Department as these conditions develop.