Tamil Nadu to Receive Continued Rain and Thunderstorms Till August 18

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast that scattered rainfall will continue over several parts of Tamil Nadu, especially the northern districts and the Western Ghats region, until August 18. The intensity of the showers is expected to vary from place to place, but the wet spell is likely to keep temperatures in check across most areas of the State.

Thunderstorms, which have occurred on most days since the start of August, are expected to persist. The RMC has issued a warning for heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Nilgiris and Theni districts, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph on Thursday and Friday.

A feeble trough along and off the Tamil Nadu coast is sustaining the wet spell. Moderate rainfall is likely in interior and northern districts, including Madurai, Sivaganga, Ariyalur, Salem, and Kallakurichi, on these two days. Several other places in the State may experience light rain.

According to RMC officials, a low-pressure area persists over the north Bay of Bengal, off the West Bengal–Bangladesh coast. Though the system is not directly over Tamil Nadu, it may indirectly sustain wet weather over the State. As the low-pressure area moves inland, it could trigger lower-level wind convergence, which favours convective activity.

V.R. Durai, Head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said the department expects a significant increase in rainfall between August 16 and 18. This increase is likely to be particularly pronounced in north coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram districts. Convective rainfall is expected to continue over the rest of the State as well.

The southwesterly winds remain weak over the region. As a result, cool easterlies have been setting in over coastal areas between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., triggering evening thunderstorms almost daily in various parts of the State. This weather pattern has contributed to the recent spell of rain.

Despite the overall cooler conditions, temperatures may be slightly higher in parts of north interior Tamil Nadu. Moisture incursion may not penetrate deep inland, leaving districts such as Erode, Tiruchi, and Karur with relatively hot conditions over the next few days. On Wednesday, Tiruchi recorded a maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, the highest in the State for that day.

The RMC had earlier forecast that rainfall during August is likely to be normal or above normal in most parts of the State. The ongoing wet spell since early August has helped reduce the earlier rainfall deficiency. The State's rainfall deficit currently stands at 9%, which is considered within the normal range, Mr. Durai added.

The rains are significant for Tamil Nadu's agricultural sector and water reservoirs, which depend heavily on seasonal rainfall. Authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution during thunderstorms and gusty winds. The RMC continues to monitor weather systems and will issue updates as necessary.