Tamil Nadu is expected to see heavy rainfall through the weekend, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai issuing a heavy rain warning for five districts today. Residents in vulnerable areas should be aware that thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds have the potential to accompany the showers.
According to meteorologists, the change in weather is strongly influenced by two cyclonic circulation systems in the region, which are currently affecting the region. One cyclonic circulation is over the northern coast of Tamil Nadu at 3.1 km high, and the other over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring areas at 5.8 km high. Both of these have helped develop weather conditions for rain-bearing clouds to form in different parts of the state.
Due to the influence of these weather systems, we expect isolated heavy rainfall in the hilly parts of Tirunelveli district and in Kallakurichi, Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Kanyakumari districts. The RMC has also warned of frequent thunderstorms and lightning activity and strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph in some places.
The wet weather is expected to continue through the weekend. The weather department has issued moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds for the Western Ghats districts, the Delta region and northern interior parts of Tamil Nadu on both Saturday and Sunday. Puducherry and Karaikal are also likely to get light to moderate rainfall during this period.
Looking ahead, we expect rainfall to continue into next week, but with reduced intensity. Between June 16 and June 18, we will see light to moderate showers in some parts of Tamil Nadu.
The rain will provide some relief from the heat of the summer. Maximum temperatures in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will be at least 2 degrees Celsius below normal until June 14. Temperatures should begin to slowly return to normal seasonal temperatures by the middle of next week.
Chennai residents can expect mostly cloudy skies over the next 48 hours. The RMC has predicted light to moderate thunderstorms in some parts of the city and its suburbs. Daytime temperatures will hover around 35°C, while nighttime temperatures will dip to around 28°C.
Authorities have advised residents to stay up to date with the weather bulletins, shelter in the event of a storm, avoid open areas during thunderstorms, and take precautions against lightning and strong winds.
