Chennai, Sep 6 : Widespread rain has brought relief from oppressive heat across several parts of Tamil Nadu, while the Regional Meteorological Centre forecast moderate showers in 12 districts on Sunday.

Several districts received rain on Saturday after a spell of hot and largely dry weather.

In Sivaganga, blazing sunshine during the day gave way to showers at night, leaving water accumulated on some roads. Heavy rain was reported in Kalappur, Chathurvedimangalam, Piranmalai and Surakudi near Singampunari.

Residents of Sattur and nearby Chinnapalli, Mettamalai, Chinnakamampatti and Irukkankudi in Virudhunagar district welcomed the rainfall, which arrived after several months.

Moderate rain was also reported in parts of the Coimbatore metropolitan area, producing cooler conditions. Perambalur town and several surrounding areas, including Arumadal, Kavulpalayam, Eraiyur, Perali and Thuraimangalam, experienced showers that brought down temperatures.

In and around Ulundurpet in Kallakurichi district, hot winds prevailed during the day before evening rain provided much-needed respite. Tirunelveli witnessed a sudden sunshower while bright sunshine continued.

Moderate rainfall in Andipatti, Chakkampatti, and Theppampatti in Theni district cheered farmers.

Strong winds and heavy rain lashed Thuvarankurichi near Manapparai in Tiruchi district for the second consecutive day. Heavy showers also fell over parts of Tiruvarur district, including Sannanallur, Poonthottam, Peralam, Thirukkottaram and Andipandal. Farmers engaged in paddy cultivation said the rain was beneficial to their fields.

Rainfall was recorded in Mayiladuthurai town, Kuthalam, Mangainallur and Komal. Although it eased the heat, the showers caused concern among farmers waiting with harvested paddy bags at procurement centres.

Moderate rain also occurred in Thanjavur, Poondi, Ammapettai, Saliyamangalam, Surakkottai and Kattur.

Across the affected districts, the change in weather was most noticeable after sunset, when clouds gathered following intense daytime heat.

The rain offered comfort to residents and helped standing crops in several farming belts. However, cultivators who had already completed harvesting remained vulnerable because paddy stored in the open could be damaged.

The Met Department said moderate rain was likely in the Western Ghats districts of the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar and Kanniyakumari. Madurai and Sivakasi were also expected to receive showers. Chennai and its suburbs may experience moderate rain during the evening or night.

However, interior Tamil Nadu is likely to remain dry for the next four days, with maximum temperatures rising up to four degrees Celsius above normal in some places.

/IANS