Tamil Nadu warned of drought while heavy rain expected as El Nino intensifies

India’s Union government has warned that twelve districts in Tamil Nadu could face drought conditions as El Nino strengthens, advising farmers to plant short‑duration crops such as sesame and pulses to limit losses. The districts named are Ariyalur, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, The Nilgiris, Perambalur, Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathur, Vellore and Virudhunagar.

At the same time, the Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a forecast of heavy rainfall across much of Tamil Nadu from June 26, including Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Theni, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Madurai and Virudhunagar, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected. Residents have been urged to follow weather alerts and take precautions during the anticipated wet spell.

Both advisories underscore the contrasting impacts of the developing El Nino event on the state’s agriculture and water resources, highlighting the need for preparedness against possible drought as well as flooding.