More rain and storms to hit states in South India. Read forecast here

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe on Thursday, October 22, as rain activity continues across southern India, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).The weather department has also forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and south interior Karnataka. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely in several parts of the southern peninsula.Meanwhile, most parts of northwest, central, west and northeast India are expected to remain largely dry, with no significant weather activity forecast during the week. Commuters wade through a waterlogged street following heavy rain, in Chennai. (Photo: PTI) HEAVY RAIN REMAINS LIKELYTamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 22. Kerala and Mahe are also expected to experience intense downpours, with rain activity continuing over the coming days.The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in isolated areas of south interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Parts of coastal Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and interior Karnataka may also experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds.Winds reaching 40-50 kmph are likely during thunderstorms at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are expected in parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Telangana. A satellite image shows the weather systems over the Indian subcontinent. (Photo: IMD) NEW STORM BREWING IN BAY OF BENGALThe continuing rainfall comes as multiple weather systems influence the southern peninsula. A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Tamil Nadu coast, persisted on Wednesday.Another low-pressure area over the southwest Arabian Sea was expected to move towards the Somalia coast on October 22.The IMD has also said a cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar is likely to move into the north Andaman Sea.Under its influence, a new low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23 and may intensify as it moves northwestwards.The developing system could influence weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days.The northeast monsoon, which typically brings rainfall to southeastern India between October and December, is an important seasonal weather system.The latest forecast indicates continued rain activity across southern India even as much of the rest of the country experiences relatively dry conditions.- Ends