The Southwest Monsoon is expected to commence over parts of the south Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai. The onset is about five days earlier than usual, the bulletin said.
The weather agency noted that a deep depression prevailing over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining central-west Bay continues to persist over the same region. Under its influence, heavy rain is likely on May 15 in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts.
For May 16, the RMC forecast heavy rain with thunder and lightning at one or two places in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and Theni. On May 17, similar conditions are expected at isolated locations in Dindigul, Theni, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.
The bulletin also said that moderate rain with thunder and lightning may occur at a few places across Tamil Nadu. Fishermen have been advised to be cautious as squally winds of 40–50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are likely over parts of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea from May 15 to May 18.
