TN: Moderate rain likely in Western Ghats districts today; humid conditions to persist

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rainfall across the Western Ghats districts of Tamil Nadu until July 31, attributing the weather conditions to the presence of a weak low-pressure circulation in the lower atmospheric levels over the Tamil Nadu coast.

According to the latest weather bulletin, the weak atmospheric system is expected to influence weather patterns across the state over the next few days, bringing moderate rainfall to districts along the Western Ghats.

The IMD said the rainfall activity is likely to continue until July 31, providing some relief to these regions after a spell of dry weather.

Apart from the Western Ghats, the rest of Tamil Nadu is expected to witness relatively subdued weather conditions. The department has forecast light rain at one or two places across other parts of the state during the same period.

While widespread rainfall is not anticipated outside the Ghats region, isolated showers may occur depending on local weather developments.

The weather office has also issued a forecast for Chennai, stating that the city is likely to experience light rain at a few places during the day.

The showers are expected to be brief and localised, with no major weather disturbances predicted for the state capital.

Despite the possibility of light rainfall, Chennai is expected to remain warm, with the maximum temperature likely to touch around 39 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels are also expected to remain relatively high, contributing to sultry conditions in the city even during periods without rainfall.

The IMD further stated that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to remain close to normal until July 29. No significant heatwave conditions or major deviations from seasonal temperatures have been forecast during this period.

Meteorologists said the prevailing weak low-pressure circulation is likely to support moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, leading to enhanced cloud formation over the Western Ghats and adjoining areas. However, the system is not expected to intensify into a stronger weather disturbance.

Residents, particularly those living in hilly districts and areas along the Western Ghats, have been advised to keep track of local weather updates and exercise caution during periods of moderate rainfall, especially in regions prone to waterlogging or minor landslides. Elsewhere in the state, weather conditions are expected to remain largely stable with only isolated spells of light rain.