Chennai: A fresh weather system over the Arabian Sea is set to bring widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the next few days, offering relief to some regions battling intense summer heat. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rain in 14 districts, while Chennai is expected to remain hot with temperatures likely to reach around 41°C.

The latest Tamil Nadu weather update comes as several locations across the state continue to record above-normal temperatures, with many areas recently crossing the 38°C mark.

Which districts are under the heavy rain alert?

The weather department has identified the following districts as likely to receive heavy rainfall along with strong winds:

  • Coimbatore
  • Nilgiris
  • Tiruppur
  • Dindigul
  • Theni
  • Namakkal
  • Tiruchirappalli
  • Salem
  • Erode
  • Karur
  • Dharmapuri
  • Krishnagiri
  • Vellore
  • Tirupattur

Officials said rain activity is expected to continue not only in Tamil Nadu but also across Puducherry and Karaikal during the coming week.

Meteorologists have linked the expected rainfall to a cyclonic circulation currently active over the southwest Arabian Sea and nearby regions. The system is creating favourable conditions for thunderstorm and rain activity across several parts of the state.

In the immediate term, districts such as Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Namakkal and Tirupattur are likely to receive sustained rainfall over the next two days.

Thereafter, rain-bearing clouds may spread to additional districts including:

  • Tiruvannamalai
  • Madurai
  • Sivaganga
  • Thanjavur
  • Salem
  • Tiruppur
  • Karur
  • Dharmapuri
  • Krishnagiri
  • Tiruchirappalli

Chennai Weather: Rain clouds, but no relief from heat

Despite cloudy conditions forecast for the city, Chennai residents may continue to face uncomfortable daytime temperatures. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 41°C, keeping heat stress concerns alive.

Weather officials have also noted that Chennai has been recording above-normal temperatures for much of this year, reflecting a broader warming trend seen across Tamil Nadu.

The rain forecast arrives against the backdrop of intense heat reported from several districts.

Recent temperature highlights include:

  • Tiruchirappalli – 40°C
  • Vellore – 39°C
  • Madurai – 39°C
  • Tiruttani – 38.3°C
  • Meenambakkam – Around 38°C
  • Palayamkottai – Around 38°C
  • Madurai Airport – Around 38°C

High temperatures were also reported from Erode, Karur Paramathi, Nagapattinam, Parangipettai, Thanjavur and Chennai's Nungambakkam locality.

According to RMC Director S. Balachandran, northwestern districts may continue to experience temperatures up to 3°C above normal in the coming days.

With IANS inputs