Dry spell to end in Tamil Nadu, heavy rains forecast from December 1

The forecast indicates revival of the north east monsoon, which has been rather inactive, especially in northern parts of the state since its onset in October end.

"Yesterday's well-marked low pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean persists.

It is very likely to concentrate into a depression during next 24 hours," the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) here said.

Accordingly, strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 1 and 2, it said, and advised fishermen against venturing into sea, starting tomorrow.

"Those who are already in the deep sea are advised to return to the coast immediately," it added.

The northeast monsoon brings the bulk of Tamil Nadu's annual rainfall (48 per cent) and became active in October end.

However, several parts of the state, especially in the north, including the state capital are yet to receive significant spells of rain, causing concern.

This is in contrast to the situation last year during the monsoon, when four northern coastal districts-- Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallore and Cuddalore --suffered a deluge following unprecedented downpour. Tuticorin in southern Tamil Nadu too had faced the monsoon fury.