Feeble trough to bring break from dry spell in parts of Tamil Nadu

A feeble trough extending along Tamil Nadu coast is likely to bring a brief break from dry weather, with scattered rainfall expected over parts of the State till July 28. Rainfall is likely to become more significant during the weekend as favourable weather conditions develop.

However, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has noted that temperature levels would continue to climb above average in isolated pockets of interior Tamil Nadu. Searing heat is likely to persist in interior parts like Madurai and Karur, despite the wet spell likely in parts of the State.

On Wednesday too, Madurai Airport topped the charts with the State’s highest maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius. It was followed by Madurai city with 40.4 degrees Celsius.

Various other weather stations, including Tiruttani, Tiruchi and Vellore too recorded above-normal maximum temperatures. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam in Chennai recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius and 38.4 degrees Celsius respectively, which is nearly three degrees Celsius above average. A few areas like Poonamallee near Chennai, Coonoor and Valparai recorded mild rainfall till 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

RMC officials said the conditions are favourable for thunderstorm activity, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in isolated places of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the Southwest monsoon is in a weak phase over the southern peninsular region.

The RMC has predicted light to moderate rainfall would occur at isolated places of the State till Friday, and there may be an increase in rainfall intensity particularly over parts of north Tamil Nadu and Western Ghats region on Saturday and Sunday.

While the Western Ghats region is expected to receive moderate rainfall in isolated pockets, mild rainfall may continue in other parts of the State till July 28. V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said whenever monsoon performs poorly in Kerala, interior parts of the State sizzle with high temperatures. With monsoon remaining weak in the State, chances for widespread rainfall are limited for the next few days.

He pointed out that reduced daytime cloud cover, dry lower-level atmospheric conditions and delayed development of thunderstorm activity may enhance daytime heating in interior parts. However, heatwave conditions are not expected.

Coastal districts may experience near-normal day temperatures owing to the moderating influence of sea breeze circulation. Chennai may have chances of thunderstorms during evening/night hours, and the maximum temperature may remain near normal of 36-37 degrees Celsius on Thursday.