Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely across nine districts of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, the weather department said, as an atmospheric circulation over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining areas brings rainfall to parts of the Cauvery delta and southern Tamil Nadu.

Source: BizzBuzz

The nine districts named in the forecast are Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. Very light rain is likely in some parts of Chennai, with localised showers rather than widespread rainfall expected in the metropolitan area.

Source: BizzBuzz

Separately, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday, which could strengthen into a well-marked low-pressure area within the following 24 hours. The Chennai office of the weather department has also raised the possibility that the system could intensify further into a depression by Sunday.

Source: Khelja

Fishermen directed back to shore

The Tamil Nadu Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department has directed fishermen engaged in fishing in the Bay of Bengal to return to shore by Thursday night, as a precaution ahead of the expected development and strengthening of the low-pressure system.

Source: Nation Press

Mechanised boats and motorised traditional craft that had ventured out from Chennai Fishing Harbour have also been directed to return by November 12. The instruction follows the recent deaths of nine fishermen, which have sharpened official caution over boats putting to sea in unsettled weather.

Source: Khelja

What happens next

Rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the Cauvery delta and southern districts on Thursday before easing, with showers forecast to return to coastal and northern districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu, from November 14 as the Bay system develops. Forecasters say the system's track and intensity should become clearer over the next 48 hours.

Source: Daily Kiran