Thoothukudi: 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 significantly disrupted salt production in the area, which had just resumed operations in the surrounding regions of Thoothukudi city. Continuous rainfall over the past two days has halted these operations entirely, causing setbacks for local producers.
In anticipation of further rainfall, fishing boats have been docked as a precaution. Additionally, the IMD has forecast light thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rainfall in several other districts, including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Theni, Madurai, Erode, Salem, and Namakkal.
Authorities have issued warnings about potential waterlogging and slippery roads, which could affect traffic in some areas. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the affected regions due to the squally weather, with wind speeds of 35 km/h to 45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, expected along the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, and nearby coastal regions.
The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim today, and similar weather conditions are expected to affect Assam and Meghalaya from March 12 to 15. Additionally, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may experience thunderstorms from March 12 to 16.
In New Delhi, the IMD predicts a partly cloudy sky with morning mist and strong surface winds throughout the day. The maximum temperature is expected to range between 32°C and 34°C, while the minimum temperature may range between 16°C and 18°C. Winds will be from the northwest at speeds of 12-14 km/h in the morning, increasing to 16-18 km/h during the afternoon before slowing down in the evening.