Tamil Nadu is likely to see some relief from persistent heat from Sunday as rainfall activity increases across interior districts and parts of Chennai, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). The wet spell is expected to continue in several areas until October 6, with moderate rain forecast in some interior districts until October 9.
The RMC has forecast heavy rainfall in isolated locations in Theni, the Nilgiris and the ghat areas of Coimbatore on Sunday. Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are also likely in these areas. Moderate rainfall has been forecast in districts including Tirupattur, Erode, Ariyalur, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari.
Chennai could receive light rain in some areas during the evening or night on Sunday. Day temperatures in the city are expected to remain around 35-36 degrees Celsius before falling on Monday if thundershower activity develops, officials said.
The forecast follows a warm start to October in Tamil Nadu, particularly across interior districts. Chennai’s Meenambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the highest temperature recorded in the State that day. Maximum temperatures across the State were slightly higher than on Friday.
Three minor weather systems are expected to influence rainfall and thundershower activity over Tamil Nadu in the coming days. A cyclonic circulation over Comorin and adjoining areas is expected to affect rainfall in the State, while another system over the southeast Arabian Sea could trigger rain over parts of the Western Ghats. A third system over south coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to have a limited influence on Tamil Nadu.
The short-term rain forecast provides relief for residents dealing with elevated daytime temperatures, but the RMC has cautioned that the broader October outlook remains warm. V.R. Durai, head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said maximum and minimum temperatures may remain above normal during the month. Strong El Niño conditions were among the factors cited for the above-average temperatures expected in various districts.
The impact of the rainfall will vary across the State. Areas that receive thundershowers could see a fall in temperatures, while districts outside the rain-bearing systems may continue to experience above-normal heat. Durai said temperatures in interior locations such as Erode could begin to decline as the weather system over the Comorin area moves westwards.
The RMC said moderate rainfall may continue in some interior districts after October 6 and up to October 9. Chennai’s immediate forecast remains focused on the possibility of light evening or night rain on Sunday, followed by a possible temperature drop on Monday if thundershowers occur.
