Chennai, May 16: A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay has triggered widespread rainfall activity across several parts of Tamil Nadu, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into parts of the Andaman Sea, south Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists stated that the current weather system over the Bay of Bengal is creating favourable conditions for the early onset of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman region. The monsoon usually reaches the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 20, but prevailing conditions suggest that its arrival could occur nearly five days earlier this year.
The development is being closely monitored as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are generally among the first Indian regions to experience the onset of the southwest monsoon before it progresses towards mainland India.
The deep depression is also influencing weather conditions across coastal and interior districts of Tamil Nadu, leading to widespread showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds in several regions.
The IMD has issued heavy rainfall warnings for multiple districts over the coming days.
Heavy rainfall is expected on Saturday in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and Theni districts, while districts including Dindigul, Theni, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris are likely to receive heavy showers on Sunday.
The weather department has also forecast cloudy skies and moderate rainfall in parts of Chennai over the next two days.
Several districts in Tamil Nadu witnessed rainfall on Friday, bringing temporary relief from prevailing summer temperatures but also resulting in casualties and property damage in some areas.
In Nagapattinam district, heavy rain was reported from Velipalayam, Puthur, Velankanni, Thirupoondi, Kilvelur, Thirukkuvalai, Valivalam and Thevoor for more than 20 minutes. Rainfall was also recorded in Panruti, Neyveli, Vadalur and Kurinjipadi areas of Cuddalore district.
At Cuddalore Silver Beach, three youths reportedly taking selfies during the rain were struck by lightning. Hariharan, a resident of Puthupalayam, died in the incident while two others sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital.
In Chengalpattu district, heavy rain accompanied by lightning was reported from Madurantakam, Melmaruvathur, Acharapakkam, Sithamur and Cheyyur areas.
In Sithamur, a coconut tree uprooted during the storm collapsed onto a house, resulting in the death of a woman identified as Kanniyammal.
Interior districts including Perambalur also recorded rainfall in areas such as Valikandapuram, Mangalamedu, Erayur, Thirumanthurai and Lappaikudi Kadu.
In Theni district, heavy rain continued for more than an hour in Veerapandi, Vayalpatti, Sathirappatti, Koduvalarpatti, Muthuthevanpatti and Bodinayakanur.
Farmers in the district welcomed the rainfall, expressing hope that improved water availability could support agricultural activities in the coming weeks.
Coimbatore district also received heavy rainfall in Vadamadurai, Goundampalayam, Idaiyarpalayam and Kanuvai.
At Appanaickenpalayam near Thudiyalur, a century-old neem tree was uprooted during the rain and strong winds, damaging houses, vehicles and electricity poles in the area.
Rainfall was also welcomed by farmers in parts of Tenkasi district, including Vasudevanallur, Sivagiri, Thenmalai and Thirumalapuram, where residents expect improved agricultural conditions following the showers.
Weather experts stated that sea and atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal continue to be closely monitored as the monsoon system advances towards the Andaman region and southern India.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning activity and to follow weather advisories issued by the IMD.
