The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations.

The Regional Meterological Centre has issued yellow alert for 13 districts for Friday. Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram,

The regional weather office has forecast more spells of rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur districts in the state, besides the neighbouring union territory Puducherry.

According to the IMD bulletin on Dec. 12, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are very likely to witness isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall.

In light of the heavy rain forecast today, authorities have declared a holiday for schools in Chennai, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, and several other places in Tamil Nadu.

At least 76 locations in Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy rains in the last 24 hours, the data released by the Regional Meterological Centre said on Thursday morning.Kodiayakarai in Nagapattinam received highest rains with 182.

Districts such as Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi may experience isolated extremely heavy rainfall, while heavy to very heavy rains are likely in areas including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Villupuram,

Amid the incessant downpour, severe waterlogging was reported in Trichy, while Thoothukudi and other districts experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

Tamil Nadu will continue to receive heavy rain in isolated places as a low-pressure area in Bay of Bengal changes direction, bringing intense rainfall activity to districts in southern part, as well as Western Ghats region.

Authorities have declared a day’s holiday for schools in districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram.