After days of intense showers in the delta and Western Ghats, the monsoon is now shifting towards northern Tamil Nadu. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast widespread rain across northern parts of the state over the next few days, with a few areas likely to experience very heavy downpours, The Hindu reported.
According to the weather officials, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, close to the North Tamil Nadu coast, is behind this shift. This system is expected to trigger heavy rain on Friday in districts like Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Tirupattur, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in one or two spots. Nine other districts, including Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram, are also on alert for strong showers.
Meanwhile, Chennai is likely to see thunderstorms on Friday as the same weather system moves inland. P Senthamarai Kannan, Director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said the capital could expect a “mild dip in day temperature for two days” along with evening rain spells. On Thursday, Chennai recorded a near-normal 34.5 degrees Celsius, while Madurai Airport reported the state’s highest temperature at 40 degrees Celsius.
Rain is expected to continue in the northern districts until at least August 13. This could help reduce the seasonal rainfall deficit in places like Krishnagiri, Kancheepuram, and Dharmapuri. Officials predict heavy rain on Saturday for Dharmapuri, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai.
In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am Thursday, Wallajah in Ranipet district saw the highest rainfall at 13 cm. Light showers also continued in Vellore, Coimbatore, and Tirupattur through Thursday evening.
Since June 1, Tamil Nadu has received 14.5 cm of rain, about 7 per cent above the average for this time of year. Districts like Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Tenkasi, and Mayiladuthurai have even recorded excess rain so far this monsoon season, highlighting the varied nature of this year’s weather pattern.
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