Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu; Early Monsoon Onset Likely in Kerala, Says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain warning across several districts in Tamil Nadu, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected to continue through May 13. Simultaneously, meteorologists anticipate an early arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala, signaling a shift in seasonal weather patterns.

⚠️ Heavy Rain Forecast in Tamil Nadu

According to the IMD's regional office in Chennai, moderate thunderstorms and rainfall are highly likely in key districts such as:

• Ariyalur

• Perambalur

• Tiruchirappalli

• Mayiladuthurai

• Nagapattinam

• Thanjavur

• Thiruvarur

• Pudukkottai

• Karaikal

Meanwhile, light thunderstorms with lightning and light to moderate rain are predicted in Cuddalore, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and the Ghat regions of Tirunelveli.

🌡️ Temperature Outlook Across the State

• Interior districts may experience scorching daytime highs between 36°C and 41°C.

• Coastal areas, including Chennai, could see temperatures ranging between 34°C and 36°C.

• Hill regions like the Western Ghats are expected to stay cooler, with temperatures hovering between 22°C and 28°C.

🌧️ Rainfall Records So Far

Several parts of Tamil Nadu have already seen significant downpours:

• Thammampatti (Salem district): 11 cm of rainfall

• Tiruvallur, Sivaganga, and Villupuram: Moderate to heavy rainfall reported

• Chennai (Valasaravakkam and Nerkundram): Up to 11 cm rainfall recorded earlier this week

🌦️ Early Monsoon Signs in Kerala

While Tamil Nadu grapples with local weather instability, the IMD has highlighted encouraging signs of an early monsoon over Kerala. The southwest monsoon is forecasted to hit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by May 13, nearly a week ahead of schedule.

This acceleration indicates that Kerala could receive the monsoon before the usual date of June 1. In 2023, monsoon onset in Kerala was on May 30; this year, the signs point to an even earlier arrival.

🔍 Why the Monsoon Is Arriving Early

Meteorologists attribute the early movement to:

• Neutral sea surface temperatures

• Absence of El Niño or La Niña patterns

• Strengthening atmospheric circulation in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea

The IMD will confirm the official onset of the monsoon over Kerala later this month, once sustained rainfall and wind pattern criteria are met.

📢 What Residents Should Know

• Residents of Tamil Nadu should stay updated with local weather alerts, avoid unnecessary travel during peak thunderstorm hours, and secure outdoor belongings.

• In Kerala, farmers and planners are advised to prepare for earlier agricultural activities in anticipation of the pre-monsoon showers and early sowing opportunities.