Chennai, May 18 : Even as the intense summer heat continued to affect many parts of Tamil Nadu, widespread rainfall across several districts brought much-needed relief and cooler weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that atmospheric circulations over the southern region are influencing weather patterns and are expected to trigger more rain across the state over the next few days.

According to weather officials, one atmospheric circulation is persisting over the Kanyakumari Sea and adjoining regions, while another has formed over northeast Tamil Nadu and nearby areas. These systems led to widespread rainfall across several districts on Sunday.

Moderate rain was recorded in Hosur and the surrounding areas of Krishnagiri district, including Madagiri, Jujuvadi, Begepalli and Bagalur.

Sivaganga and nearby localities experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds for more than an hour, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperature.

In Dindigul district, Palani and Kodaikanal witnessed nearly two hours of rainfall, causing waterlogging on several roads. Periyakulam and nearby areas in the Theni district also received moderate showers lasting over half an hour.

Several parts of Pudukkottai, including the new bus stand area, Thiruvappur, Machuvadi, Thirukokarnam, Bose Nagar, Mettupatti and Malayedu, experienced thunderstorms and steady rainfall.

In Madurai district, areas such as Pandian Nagar, Vadakarai, Chengulam, Karisalpatti and Maravankulam in and around Thirumangalam reported heavy rain accompanied by thunder.

Nagapattinam district also received substantial rainfall in places, including Sikkal, Velankanni, Kilvelur, Valivalam and Thirukkuvalai, leading to water accumulation in low-lying areas.

The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall for Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai and Sivaganga districts on Monday.

Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain are also expected in Pudukkottai, Karur, Tiruchy, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.

The forecast also suggests continued heavy rainfall on Tuesday in the hilly regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur, along with the Nilgiris, Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts. Chennai may witness moderate rain with thunderstorms in isolated areas.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is expected to set in over Kerala around May 26.

/IANS