Chennai, July 19 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rainfall across the Western Ghats districts of Tamil Nadu until July 24, while most other parts of the state are expected to witness isolated spells of light to moderate rain over the coming days.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the prevailing weather conditions are being influenced by an atmospheric circulation over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining areas of south Tamil Nadu.
The system is expected to enhance moisture inflow into the Western Ghats, creating favourable conditions for moderate rainfall across the hill districts through July 24.
Meteorologists said the rainfall is likely to provide relief to several districts along the Western Ghats that have been experiencing fluctuating weather in recent weeks. However, widespread heavy rain is not expected, with precipitation over the rest of the state likely to remain scattered and limited to isolated locations.
Apart from the Western Ghats region, one or two places across Tamil Nadu are expected to receive light to moderate rain over the next few days.
Similar weather conditions are also likely to prevail in Puducherry and Karaikal, where isolated showers are forecast during the same period.
While rain is expected to bring some respite to parts of the state, temperatures are likely to remain above normal in several interior districts.
The weather office said maximum temperatures along the Tamil Nadu coast, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal, are expected to remain close to normal until July 22. In contrast, many inland districts could record daytime temperatures up to 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.
Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue during the afternoon hours, and residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and stay adequately hydrated.
For Chennai, the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with moderate rain likely in a few parts of the city during the day. Localised showers are expected mainly during the afternoon or evening, although rainfall distribution may vary across different neighbourhoods.
The maximum temperature in the city is expected to reach around 36 degrees Celsius, with high humidity likely to make conditions feel warmer.
The Meteorological Department has advised people, particularly those living in the Western Ghats districts, to monitor regular weather updates as rainfall activity may vary depending on local weather conditions over the coming days.
–IANS
aal/dpb
