Tamil Nadu Braces for Rain Amidst Heat: El Niño's Lingering Impact!

Tamil Nadu is set to experience scattered rainfall until September 16, courtesy of a trough extending up to the Gulf of Mannar. This welcome wet spell is anticipated to keep temperatures in check for coastal areas, providing some relief from the heat.

However, the outlook is not uniform across the state.

Several pockets in interior Tamil Nadu may continue to endure sweltering conditions.

This is primarily because moisture incursion, which brings down temperatures, is not expected to penetrate deep into these inland belts, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).

The contrast in temperatures was evident on Thursday, with Tiruchi recording the state's highest maximum temperature at a scorching 39.5 degrees Celsius. In stark contrast, coastal cities like Chennai enjoyed normal temperatures, largely thanks to cloud cover and the cooling effect of the sea breeze.

The RMC officials highlighted that the timely onset and strength of the sea breeze play a crucial role in temperature regulation, and a delayed onset can lead to hotter weather.

Adding to the complexity of the current weather patterns, V.R. Durai, Head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at RMC, noted that the Southwest Monsoon has been considerably weak across most of the south peninsular region this September. This weakness, combined with active El Niño conditions, has pushed temperatures higher not only in interior Tamil Nadu but also in neighboring states.

Typically, temperatures across most parts of the state would be moderate by this time of the year. The RMC has yet to announce the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from other regions of the country, with it remaining active in some areas like Odisha.

Despite the impending rainfall, Tamil Nadu is grappling with a significant rainfall deficit.

The state has received only 18.1 cm of rain so far this season since June 1, which is 26% below the average. For Friday, isolated places in the Western Ghats districts are predicted to receive moderate rainfall, while districts such as Cuddalore, Madurai, and the delta regions may experience light to moderate showers.

Gusty winds, potentially reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are also expected to prevail.

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