Heavy rains have been forecast for parts of Tamil Nadu over the weekend, due to the possibility of a cyclonic storm over Bay of Bengal.

According to news reports, a low pressure area is likely to develop over Bay of Bengal and will be intensifying into a depression. The system is then expected to move towards the coast of Tamil Nadu, then intensifying further into a cyclonic storm. This process might bring in rainfall for the water-starved state in the middle of summer.

Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai S Balachandran said that the possibility of rains depend on the proximity of the system to the coast. He also added that more clarity on the movement of the system will be available by Thursday. “The depression might intensify into a cyclonic storm by April 26 or 27, and move towards Tamil Nadu. Fishermen are advised to not venture into the sea from April 26,” he told the reporters.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rains till Saturday over isolated places in Tamil Nadu and rainfall in many places in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. The advisory for fishermen from the IMD also requested the fishermen in deep sea to return to the shore by April 25.

As of Wednesday, Keeranur in Pudukottai district recorded the highest rainfall of 5 cm followed by Valparai in Coimbatore district which recorded 4 cm of rain. Devala in Nilgiris district recorded 3 cm of rainfall while Madukkur in Thanjavur district and Vandavasi in Thiruvannamalai district witnessed 2 cm each of rainfall.