Tamil Nadu is bracing for another swing in its weather. After a brief, relatively cooler stretch, temperatures across the state have shot up again — and at the same time, the skies are showing signs of turning stormy. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an alert for several districts, warning of thunderstorms, strong winds and rain, with the possibility of localised heavy downpours in parts of the state over the coming days.
What is driving the change
The trigger lies out in the Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the bay is likely to push the state's weather into a stormy phase. This circulation stretches from the west-central Bay of Bengal down to southern Tamil Nadu and remains active through the southwest Bay of Bengal. The weather office says the system is sitting at roughly 3.1 to 4.5 kilometres above sea level, and its influence is expected to step up rainfall activity across the state.
Districts in focus on Monday
On Monday, parts of Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Namakkal and Salem districts could see moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Winds gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour are also forecast during this period. The weather department has advised people to stay alert and exercise caution while the bad weather lasts.
An intensifying spell on Tuesday
The rain is expected to spread further on Tuesday. Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast for Namakkal, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai districts. With strong winds and lightning likely in these areas, the administration has been told to remain on guard. Ramanathapuram district, too, is expected to see more active weather from Tuesday, with spells of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Weather experts say the combined effect of marine and land-based conditions could cause the weather here to change rapidly.
No respite from heat in Chennai
The capital Chennai, however, is not in line for any major rain. The sky over the city is expected to remain partly cloudy on Monday, but the maximum temperature could touch 39 degrees Celsius, leaving residents to contend with humidity and heat.
A scorching Sunday
On Sunday, several parts of the state recorded above-normal temperatures. Nagapattinam was the hottest spot, where the mercury climbed to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. Madurai logged 39.5 degrees Celsius and Tiruchirappalli around 39 degrees Celsius, while severe heat was also felt across Chennai, Cuddalore, Karur Paramathi and Thanjavur, among other areas. Meteorologists note that the high temperatures and favourable atmospheric conditions could help thunderclouds build up over the state's interior districts, bringing scattered rainfall and heavy showers at some places in the days ahead.
