Scattered rainfall is likely to continue in several parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly the northern and the Western Ghats region, till August 18. While the intensity is likely to vary across locations, the wet spell would keep temperatures under check in most areas of the State.

Thunderstorms, which have occurred on most days since the start of August, are expected to continue till August 18. The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places over the Nilgiris and Theni districts with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph on Thursday and Friday.

A feeble trough along and off the Tamil Nadu coast would sustain the wet spell. Rainfall of moderate intensity would occur in interior and northern districts, including Madurai, Sivaganga, Ariyalur, Salem, and Kallakurichi, on Thursday and Friday. A few other places in the State may experience light rainfall.

Low-pressure area

Stating that a low-pressure area persists over the north Bay of Bengal off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast, officials of the RMC added that it may have an indirect impact over sustaining wet weather over Tamil Nadu. When the weather system moves inland, it may cause lower-level wind convergence, favouring convective activity over the State.

V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said the department expects a significant increase in rainfall between August 16 and 18, particularly in north coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram districts. Convective rainfall would continue over the rest of the State.

With the southwesterly winds remaining weak over the region, cool easterlies have been setting in over coastal areas between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., triggering evening thunderstorms almost every day in various parts of the State.

However, temperatures may be slightly higher in parts of north interior Tamil Nadu as moisture incursion may not penetrate that far inland. Places such as Erode, Tiruchi, and Karur could experience relatively hot conditions for the next few days.

On Wednesday, Tiruchi recorded a maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, the highest in the State for the day.

The RMC had earlier forecast that rainfall is likely to be normal or above normal in most parts of the State this month. The rainfall persisting since early August is expected to bridge the seasonal deficit. The State’s rainfall deficiency now stands at 9%, which is considered to be within normal range, Mr. Durai said.

Published - August 13, 2026 12:47 am IST