North coastal T.N. set for wet spell till August 27, temperature to dip across State

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The Regional Meteorological Centre expects the wet spell to further narrow the rain deficit in Tamil Nadu by end of August. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B

North coastal areas of Tamil Nadu are likely to remain under a wet spell till August 27. Sporadic rainfall across the State may keep temperatures close to normal in many places, while isolated heavy rainfall is predicted over parts of the Western Ghats region.

Sharp showers lashed various places in northern districts, including Chennai, Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai, till 6 p.m. on Friday. While Ranipet recorded 2 cm of rainfall, several places in and around Chennai—Nungambakkam, Ennore Port, Meenambakkam, Poonamallee and Taramani—also received rainfall, providing relief to residents from the afternoon heat.

Officials of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said a cyclonic circulation, associated with a weather system moving inland over Chhattisgarh-north Odisha region, would influence the wet weather, particularly over north coastal parts of the State.

V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said the weather system is expected to move towards the north Odisha region by Sunday, while remaining over the land region. Tamil Nadu’s north coastal region, particularly Chennai, would receive rainfall whenever a weather system persists over Odisha. The offshore trough near T.N. coast is also likely to strengthen and aid rainfall in the north coastal region.

According to RMC, moderate rainfall with gusty winds reaching a speed of 40-50 kmph is likely to occur over one or two places over Chennai and neighbouring districts, Ranipet and Western Ghats districts till August 26. Rainfall of heavy intensity may lash parts of Nilgiris district and ghat areas of Coimbatore on Monday and Tuesday. Wet weather would continue over the State till August 27.

Mr. Durai noted that active Southwest monsoon conditions in Kerala would trigger rainfall over the Western Ghats region. Once Kerala begins receiving widespread rainfall, temperature levels may dip across Tamil Nadu, including interior parts, as increased moisture and cloud cover are expected from Monday.

On Friday, Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district recorded a maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius, the highest in the State. “Whenever monsoon conditions are weak, dry Westerlies keep temperatures elevated,” he added.

The department expects the wet spell to further narrow the rain deficit by end of August.

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