Tamil Nadu Weather Update: Yellow Alert Issued For 7 Districts; Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Likely

Several districts across western and interior Tamil Nadu are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issuing a yellow alert for seven districts. The weather department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of the state as atmospheric conditions continue to remain favourable for rain activity.

According to the latest bulletin, a yellow alert has been issued for Coimbatore, Tiruppur, the Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Theni and Dindigul districts. The RMC said heavy rain is expected at isolated places, particularly in the Ghat regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, along with the Nilgiris and adjoining western districts.

The department also warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph could occur in one or two places in these districts. Residents in hilly and low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious, especially during evening hours when convective activity is likely to intensify.

Apart from the heavy rain warning, light to moderate rainfall has been forecast at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Thunderstorms and lightning activity are also likely in scattered regions of the state.

Meteorologists said the current weather pattern is being influenced by multiple upper-air cyclonic circulations over the surrounding seas. One such circulation lies over the west-central Bay of Bengal and neighbouring regions between 3.1 km and 7.6 km above mean sea level. Another upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas at similar atmospheric levels.

Meanwhile, the trough that extended from the east-central Bay of Bengal to the southeast Arabian Sea across the south Tamil Nadu coast and Gulf of Mannar has become less marked. However, moisture incursion from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continues to support rain-bearing clouds over parts of Tamil Nadu.

Despite the rainfall activity, temperatures remain above normal in several districts. The RMC said there has been no significant change in maximum temperatures over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the past 24 hours. However, maximum temperatures were 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal at isolated places.

Vellore recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at a scorching 42.3 degrees Celsius, continuing the intense heat conditions in northern Tamil Nadu. Tiruthani followed closely at 41.4 degrees Celsius, while Chennai Airport recorded 41.3 degrees Celsius. Chennai city registered a daytime temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, and Madurai touched 40 degrees Celsius.

In contrast, hill stations continued to offer relief from the heat. Kodaikanal recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the hill areas at 13.2 degrees Celsius, while Udhagamandalam recorded a maximum of 23.8 degrees Celsius. Valparai remained pleasant at 26 degrees Celsius.

Karur Paramathi recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 24 degrees Celsius.

Tamil Nadu Maximum Temperature Report

Weather experts say the combination of high daytime temperatures and moisture-laden winds is likely to trigger evening thunderstorms over interior districts in the coming days. While rainfall may bring temporary relief from the heat in western and southern Tamil Nadu, hot and humid conditions are expected to persist over northern and coastal regions, including Chennai.