IMD warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu till October 26

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, with a low-pressure area expected to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast within the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

The department has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe from October 20 to 26, and in Lakshadweep from October 22 to 26. South Interior Karnataka is likely to receive heavy rainfall between October 21 and 24.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema are likely to experience heavy rainfall between October 20 and 21. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh until October 23, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

According to the weather department, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, continues to persist. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the region within the next 24 hours.

A trough extends from the cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast to north coastal Andhra Pradesh at 3.1 km above mean sea level.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar extended up to 4.5 km above mean sea level at 8.30 am on Wednesday.

The system is likely to move over the north Andaman Sea by Wednesday morning and then travel west-northwestwards. Under its influence, another low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23.

The system is expected to move northwestwards and intensify further, the IMD said.