Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) [India]: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Thoothukudi district on March 11 and 12, warning of heavy rainfall in the region.
The unseasonal rains have severely impacted salt production, which had only recently resumed in the surrounding areas of Thoothukudi city. Continuous rainfall over the past two days has brought operations to a standstill, causing significant disruption for local producers.
As a precautionary measure, fishing boats have been docked to avoid potential risks amid the heavy rain forecast.
The IMD has also predicted light thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rainfall across multiple districts, including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Theni, Madurai, Erode, Salem, and Namakkal.
Authorities have warned residents about possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and slippery roads in certain regions. Travelers have been advised to expect delays due to potential traffic disruptions.
Fishermen have been cautioned not to venture into affected regions as squally weather with wind speeds ranging from 35 kmph to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is expected to persist. The warning applies to areas along and off the south Kerala coast, Lakshadweep, Maldives, Comorin region, the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu coast, and the Sri Lanka coast.
In northeastern India, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim today. Additionally, Assam and Meghalaya are expected to experience similar weather conditions from March 12 to 15, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may witness thunderstorms from March 12 to 16.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky with morning mist and strong surface winds throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to range between 32-34°C (maximum) and 16-18°C (minimum). The predominant wind direction will be from the northwest at speeds of 12-14 kmph in the morning, increasing to 16-18 kmph in the afternoon before gradually reducing to below 10 kmph by evening and night.