In short, it’s going to be a few days of pre-monsoon weather. The IMD is on record with a warning for the rain and wind, and we may see some scattered drops until Monday. It will do some good in cooling things down, but a quick thunderstorm could put a crimp in your day, particularly in the Delta or up in the Western Ghats.
What is driving the wet spell
If you ask the meteorologists, they’ll point to an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the north coast. It’s the reason for the weather we are seeing not just in Tamil Nadu but in Puducherry and Karaikal as well, as it pulls in moisture and builds up the clouds.
The IMD says this is no one-day wonder; we could be in for at least a week of it. The RMC puts it down to the Southwest monsoon flow that will keep many parts of the State in a wet mood through June 19, even if the rain is a bit haphazard in the 16th to 19th window.
Where and when to expect rain
The IMD has put out a flag for intermittent showers and the odd thunderstorm over the weekend in the Western Ghats, the Cauvery Delta and some of the southern and interior districts. Don’t be surprised by some gusty spots on Friday and Saturday in the Ghats, the Delta and the northern interior.
Then comes Sunday. The RMC is calling for the possibility of heavy rain in the Delta – think Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai. North of there, in Chennai, Perambalur, Cuddalore and Kallakurichi, you can bank on some moderate rainfall.
Some of us already felt it by Saturday night. We saw light rain in Palayamkottai, Karaikal, Salem and Dharmapuri before 6 p.m., which is typical of how this is playing out.
Chennai outlook
For the most part, look for overcast skies in the city with some rain and the occasional lightning. We aren’t expecting anything too heavy, but a short burst is enough to tie up traffic and put a dent in your schedule in some neighbourhoods.
RMC figures have Chennai peaking at 35-36 degrees on Sunday with some rain in the mix.
Heat relief and temperature trend
You can put down the fans for a while. With the showers coming in, top-end temperatures should be about where they are supposed to be through the 15th. Most of us had a normal day on Saturday, a change from what we’ve been through of late.
Not everywhere though. In Madurai and Karur it was 3 or 4 degrees hotter than usual. The airport in Madurai hit 39.5, making it the warmest in the State for the day.
But once the system starts to pack up and head out after the 15th, the RMC is of the view that the north interior will start to warm up again for a few days.
Why this matters and what to do next
It is good news for the farmers in the Delta who are getting their fields ready, and for anyone in Tamil Nadu looking for a reprieve from the mugginess.
That said, the word from officials is to be careful with the wind and storms. If you live in a low spot, keep an eye on things. And if you have to go out, try to time it with the forecast.
Here is the gist of it:
– Three days of wind and some rain
– A heavier chance in the Delta on Sunday
– Frequent spells in the Ghats and to the south
– Keep an eye on the IMD and RMC for the latest
– Stay clear of open ground when the lightning is around
– Be prepared for a few traffic hold-ups in town
The IMD is on top of the situation and will put out new words of caution if they have to. Since we are in for a wet few days with only the odd shower left after Monday, it is best to be flexible and make the most of any lull in the rain to get where you need to be.
