The higher reaches of the Nilgiris are under a weather warning, with ground frost likely in isolated pockets during the night and early morning hours on December 20, even as most of Tamil Nadu continues to experience dry conditions.

The warning follows a cold spell in the hills, with Ooty recording the lowest temperature among the state’s hilly regions at 8.2°C. While maximum temperatures in the Nilgiris have recently remained 1.6°C to 3.0°C above normal, minimum temperatures continue to stay significantly below usual levels, raising the risk of ground frost.

Chennai to remain hazy, temperatures stable

In Chennai, weather conditions are expected to remain stable but hazy. The city is likely to record a maximum temperature of 28°C to 29°C, while minimum temperatures may range between 21°C and 22°C. Skies will be partly cloudy, with mist or haze expected during the early morning hours. Over the past 24 hours, Chennai recorded a maximum temperature of 29.1°C.

Dry weather across Tamil Nadu to persist

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal have reported completely dry weather over the last 24 hours. According to forecasts, this dry spell is expected to continue for the next five days, lasting until December 24.

Several regions are witnessing colder nights, with minimum temperatures in many areas ranging from 2°C to 4°C below normal. In the plains, Namakkal recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 16.3°C. Erode reported the highest maximum temperature in the state at 32.6°C. Mist is also likely across many parts of Tamil Nadu during the early morning hours on December 20.

Rain likely on Christmas Day

A change in weather conditions is expected by the end of next week. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on December 25. Until then, light to moderate Easterlies and Northeasterlies are expected to prevail over the region.

Northeast Monsoon rainfall remains above normal

Despite the ongoing dry phase, the Northeast Monsoon rainfall for the season from October 1 to December 19 stands 2% above normal for Tamil Nadu. However, Coimbatore and Chennai have recorded rainfall deficits, with departures of -13% and -5% respectively compared to their seasonal averages.