Chennai, Aug 2 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate rainfall across Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats districts for the next six days, even as parts of northern Tamil Nadu are expected to experience above-normal temperatures.
The forecast comes after several northern districts received widespread rainfall, bringing relief from the intense heat that had prevailed over the past few days.
Vellore district, which had been experiencing scorching daytime temperatures, witnessed a sudden spell of heavy rain during the night, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperature and providing respite to residents.
Neighbouring Ranipet district also received substantial rainfall, with Ranipet, Arcot, Arakkonam and Sholinghur among the areas reporting heavy showers for more than two hours.
The prolonged spell led to power disruptions in several localities, while waterlogging was reported at a number of places.
Rain was also recorded across parts of Kancheepuram district, including Kancheepuram town, Orikkai, Sevilimedu and Sriperumbudur. Water accumulated on roads in some areas, causing inconvenience to motorists and slowing traffic movement.
Chengalpattu district witnessed widespread showers as well. Madurantakam, Karunguzhi, Melmaruvathur, Mamallapuram and Kalpakkam were among the areas that received rainfall, bringing welcome relief to residents after a period of hot weather. In Cuddalore, where intense sunshine and high temperatures prevailed during daytime, weather conditions changed sharply in the evening. Rainfall was reported between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, easing the heat considerably.
Against this backdrop, the weather department has predicted that moderate rainfall is likely to continue in districts along the Western Ghats for six days beginning Sunday. Moderate showers are also expected at isolated places in the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.
Chennai is likely to experience partly unsettled weather, with the possibility of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms during the evening or night.
However, daytime conditions are expected to remain hot, with temperature likely to touch around 38 degrees Celsius. The weather department has also warned that northern Tamil Nadu could experience very hot conditions during the day.
Maximum temperatures in some areas are likely to remain around three degrees Celsius above normal, despite the possibility of evening or nighttime showers.
Residents have been advised to remain prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly thunderstorms and brief spells of intense rainfall.
–IANS
aal/dpb