Thunderstorms, moderate rain forecast across TN today

Chennai, Sep 2 (AHN) Several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, are likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Wednesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre said.

Rainfall is being triggered by a weak atmospheric circulation prevailing over the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely at one or two places in districts along the Western Ghats. Similar weather has been forecast at isolated places in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts.

The remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and the Karaikal region may experience light rain accompanied by thunderstorms at a few places, according to the weather bulletin.

On Thursday, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely at one or two places in Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Madurai, Sivaganga and Pudukkottai districts, besides Puducherry. Isolated light rain may also occur across the rest of Tamil Nadu and the Karaikal region.

The weather office forecast moderate rain at isolated places in the Western Ghats districts on Friday.

Light showers are possible elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. From September 5 to 7, the Western Ghats districts may receive light to moderate rain, while isolated light rain is forecast across the remaining areas.

Maximum temperatures in interior Tamil Nadu are expected to increase by two to four degrees Celsius between September 2 and 5. Temperatures at a few interior locations could remain two to four degrees above normal. No significant change is likely along the Tamil Nadu coast or in Puducherry and the Karaikal region.

Chennai is expected to have a partly cloudy sky on Wednesday. Light to moderate rain may occur in some parts of the city during the evening or night.

The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into waters off the south Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining Comorin Sea on Wednesday and Thursday.

Squally winds reaching 45 to 55 kmph and occasionally gusting to 65 kmph are expected. Strong winds are also likely over the southern parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. No warning has been issued for the Arabian Sea from September 2 to 5.