New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has gathered momentum across southern India, prompting weather authorities to issue heavy rainfall warnings for several districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area over the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh coast is expected to enhance rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain has been forecast for the Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Kanyakumari, Erode and Salem districts, while gusty winds of up to 50 kmph may accompany showers in some regions.
Thunderstorms are also likely in Coimbatore, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts. Chennai and its neighbouring areas are expected to witness partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Day temperatures in the city are likely to remain between 39°C and 40°C.
In Karnataka, monsoon activity has intensified, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Ballari and Bagalkot. The IMD has issued a red alert for Bengaluru and other southern interior districts on June 9, extending the warning to the entire state on June 10.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Chitradurga and Davanagere districts.
Authorities have stepped up preparedness measures, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been placed on standby at key locations, while residents living near rivers, streams and water bodies have been advised to remain vigilant.
Officials have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations.
