Moderate rain likely in Western Ghats, north coastal TN today

Chennai, Aug 11 (IANS) Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds is likely over districts along the Western Ghats and parts of north coastal Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast.

According to the weather department, a trough currently persists in the lower atmospheric levels over the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, creating favourable conditions for rainfall in several parts of the state.

Under its influence, districts along the Western Ghats and north coastal Tamil Nadu are expected to receive moderate rain at isolated places during the day. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by strong surface winds, are also likely in some areas.

The RMC said the wet spell over the Western Ghats districts is expected to continue for the next several days, with moderate rainfall likely at isolated places until August 16.

Residents in areas prone to thunderstorms have been advised to remain cautious during spells of lightning and gusty winds.

At the same time, temperatures are likely to rise in parts of north interior Tamil Nadu. The weather office said maximum temperatures could increase by up to three degrees Celsius over the region until August 14.

For Chennai and its neighbourhood, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy during the day, with conditions becoming favourable for rain towards the evening or night. Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in some parts of the city and suburbs.

The forecast comes after several places in Tamil Nadu recorded significant rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

According to rainfall observations recorded during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Monday, Vedhiyarendal in Sivaganga district received the highest rainfall of 5 cm. Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district and Sholavandan in Madurai district recorded 4 cm of rainfall each during the same period.

The continuing rainfall is expected to provide some relief from the prevailing warm conditions in parts of the state, though interior districts could experience hotter daytime temperatures over the next few days.

Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled, particularly across the Western Ghats belt, as the lower-level atmospheric trough continues to influence Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

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