More rainfall activity to bring respite from heat across T.N. from July 16

Searing heat may let up in parts of Tamil Nadu, as more places may receive rainfall from July 16. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur over parts of the Western Ghats and northern districts this week.

The Nilgiris and its neighbouring districts may receive heavy rainfall till the end of this week. From July 16 to 18, districts around Chennai, including Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram, are likely to see significant rainfall. 

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has predicted a drop in the maximum temperature across the State from Wednesday. A yellow alert has been issued, for the Nilgiris from July 15, with heavy rain expected to cover parts of north Tamil Nadu by July 16. An orange alert has been issued for the Western Ghats between July 17 and 20.

Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet may receive heavy rainfall on July 17. On July 18, intense rain of up to 13 cm may cover six districts, including Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore.

P. Senthamarai Kannan, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said the well-marked low pressure area would influence westerly wind convergence over the State, bringing light to moderate rain in some parts this week. 

On Monday too, parts of the State sizzled, with Madurai Airport recording the hottest temperature for the day, at 39.4 degrees Celsius. Chennai’s Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded above normal temperatures of 37.7 degrees Celsius and 38.7 degrees Celsius.

Evening thunderstorms provide only temporary relief, as hot westerlies trigger scorching heat the following day. The same weather trend may continue on Tuesday, with maximum temperature likely to soar by two-four degrees Celsius above average in a few pockets of the State.

This week’s wet spell may increase the overall southwest monsoon rainfall, which is 9% below its seasonal average as on Monday, officials said.