Tamil Nadu is gearing up for heavy rain on Sunday, November 23, as a fresh low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea gains strength. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for 16 districts with a warning of showers that could be heavy to very heavy in some regions. The system is likely to affect the southern, Delta, central, and parts of northern Tamil Nadu, bringing relief to some areas while causing concern in others.
Southern districts face intense showers
Friday saw southern districts drenched as rain began in the afternoon and continued well into the night. Tirunelveli and Tenkasi (particularly around the Thamirabarani river catchments) recorded heavy downpours. Thoothukudi also saw some significant rainfall.
In Tiruchendur, waterlogging occurred inside the temple complex. The overflow drained into the sea near the Murugan Temple causing soil erosion along the shoreline.
Authorities have urged residents near riverbanks in Thoothukudi to remain cautious and avoid low-lying areas. The Sankarankoil region of Tenkasi continued to receive steady showers.
Delta districts stay drenched
The Delta region saw widespread rain, with districts like Thanjavur, Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Kumbakonam, Orathanadu, Pattukkottai, Peravurani, and Adirampattinam experiencing persistent showers. Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi and Nannilam recorded heavy rain for the second consecutive day.
Thunderstorms and winds in central and coastal areas
Cuddalore district saw thunderstorms and lightning in Chidambaram and nearby areas, which brought a noticeable drop in temperatures. Nagapattinam, Kilvelur, Sikkal, Puthur, and Velankanni also received heavy rainfall. Strong winds accompanied the rain in Mayiladuthurai, Manalmedu, Kuttalam, Tharangambadi, Porayar, Thirukadayur, and Thiruvavaduthurai, while Sirkazhi and surrounding areas including Thirumullaivasal, Kuzhiyar, Pazhayar, and Edamanal witnessed intense showers.
Even interior and western districts were not spared. Dharmapuri’s Nallampalli, Elakkampatti, and Othappatti enjoyed relief from the heat with heavy showers, while Ariyalur, Sendurai, and Anganur experienced moderate rain for the second day running.
Western hills and hill stations
Strong winds accompanied rainfall in Perambalur, Veppanthattai, Alathur, Kunnam, and Veppur. Tourists visiting Kodaikanal faced persistent rain which made sightseeing difficult. Coimbatore’s foothills including Thadagam, Kanuvai and Somaiyanur received light showers. Tiruppur experienced brief rain offering a welcome break from the heat.
Central and northern districts see showers
In Karur district, places such as Veerarakkiyam, Puliyur, Manavasi, Mayanur, Krishnarayapuram, Panchapatti continued to witness heavy rainfall. Namakkal’s Thiruchengode saw moderate showers, and Salem districts including Attur, Kengavalli, Thalaivasal, Demmampatti, and Bathanayakkanpalayam also reported heavy rain.
Ranipet, Arakkonam, Walajapet, Melvisharam, Timiri, Sholingur recorded substantial showers extending the wet spell to northern Tamil Nadu.