Tamil Nadu Weather Alert: Chennai, 8 Other Dists To Get Rains Today

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted moderate rain for Chennai and eight other northern districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

According to the RMC's morning bulletin, the alert is in effect for Chennai, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Thiruvallur. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for significant spells of rain.

The forecast for Chennai city predicts moderate showers, with temperatures expected to range from a minimum of 25-26°C to a maximum of 34-35°C.

The weather agency attributes the wet weather to a persistent Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation hovering over North Coastal Tamil Nadu. This system, which extends up to 4.5 km above sea level, is actively drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal, leading to widespread cloud cover and precipitation.

In contrast, a milder forecast has been issued for the state's western and southern regions. Lighter, scattered showers are anticipated in Theni, Tenkasi, Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, and Tirunelveli.

Officials also noted that several weather systems that were active earlier in the week have since weakened. Furthermore, the remnants of the former Cyclonic Storm "Shakhti" have dissipated into a low-pressure area far out in the Arabian Sea and are not influencing the current weather over the state.

Citizens in the orange-alert districts are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions.

Talking about Chennai weather, blogger R Pradeep John of Tamil Nadu Weatherman wrote: "Small storms but nasty thunders in Chennai especially over the Ambattur-Anna Nagar belt. These are quite common during the transition period from Southwest to Northeast Monsoon. Many times, these thunderbolts strike directly into lakes so people should strictly avoid being in or near lakes during thunders. Remember, if you're in open water, you're the tallest object there - and that's where lightning strikes first."