Heat to ease as rain activity set to pick up in parts of T.N. from today

October has begun on a warm note, with unrelenting heat continuing in parts of interior Tamil Nadu. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted heavy rainfall in some Western Ghats districts and moderate rain in interior parts till October 6. The wet spell is likely to cool temperature levels in various parts of the State from Sunday, according to the RMC.

Three minor weather systems would influence wet weather and thundershower activity in the State for the next few days. While a cyclonic circulation that lies over Comorin and the adjoining area would influence rainfall activity in the State, another weather system over southeast Arabian Sea would trigger rainfall over parts of Western Ghats districts.

The presence of another weather system over south coastal Andhra Pradesh would also have mild impact on the State.

On Saturday, maximum temperatures remained slightly above normal, compared with Friday. Chennai’s Meenambakkam recorded 36.2 degrees Celsius, which was the highest temperature recorded in the State for the day.

Chennai also has chances of light rainfall in some areas during evening or night hours on Sunday. While the day temperature may be around 35-36 degrees Celsius on Sunday, it may drop on Monday owing to thundershower activity, officials said.

On Sunday, isolated places in Theni, the Nilgiris, and the ghat areas of Coimbatore are likely to receive heavy rainfall with gusty winds reaching a speed of 40-50 kmph.

The RMC has forecast moderate rainfall in various interior and southern districts, including Tirupattur, Erode, Ariyalur, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari. A similar trend may continue till October 6, after which moderate rainfall may continue in some interior districts till October 9.

Citing the October weather outlook, V.R. Durai, head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said the maximum and minimum temperatures may remain above normal this month. Strong El Niño conditions are among the reasons for the above average temperatures in various districts.

However, the prevailing weather systems may bring rainfall and aid a fall in temperature levels in areas experiencing wet weather. When the weather system over the Comorin area moves westwards, the maximum temperature in interior parts such as Erode may begin to drop, he said.