Chennai: Chennai is likely to witness moderate rainfall during the evening or night on Saturday, while districts along the Western Ghats are expected to receive rain accompanied by gusty winds until July 23, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said a trough stretching from the southwest Bay of Bengal to the north Lakshadweep region is driving the current weather pattern across Tamil Nadu and nearby areas.

Under its influence, rainfall activity is set to remain active over the Western Ghats, with moderate showers and strong winds forecast over the next few days.

Several hill districts, which have already been receiving intermittent rain, are likely to continue experiencing wet weather through July 23.

North coastal districts of Tamil Nadu are also expected to receive moderate rainfall, while the rest of the state, particularly the interior regions, is likely to see only isolated light showers.

Light rain has also been forecast for Puducherry and Karaikal until July 23.

The IMD said there is no indication of widespread heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu at present. However, scattered rain and cloudy skies are expected to bring some relief from the hot and humid conditions prevailing in many parts of the state.

For Chennai, the forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with moderate rain likely during the evening or night.

Daytime conditions, however, are expected to remain warm and humid, with the maximum temperature around 38 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, interior Tamil Nadu is expected to continue experiencing above-normal temperatures.

The weather office said maximum temperatures in interior districts could remain up to 3 degrees Celsius above normal until July 21.

In contrast, coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Puducherry and Karaikal, is expected to record temperatures close to seasonal averages.

The IMD has advised residents, especially those in districts likely to experience gusty winds and intermittent rainfall, to stay updated with the latest weather advisories as the trough continues to influence conditions across the state.