Thunderstorms, gusty winds forecast for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry on Saturday
Synopsis
Two weak atmospheric circulation systems — one stretching from the southwest Bay of Bengal, another over north Tamil Nadu's coast — are set to bring thunderstorms and winds of up to 50 kmph to north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Saturday. Chennai could see evening or night thunderstorms with temperatures staying between 36–37°C, and unsettled conditions are expected to persist in patches through 13 August.
Key Takeaways
RMC Chennai has forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph for north Tamil Nadu , Puducherry , and Karaikal on Saturday, 8 August .
Two weak atmospheric circulation systems — one from the southwest Bay of Bengal up to 5.8 km altitude, another over the north Tamil Nadu coast — are driving the unsettled weather.
Chennai maximum temperatures are expected between 36–37°C ; evening or night thunderstorms possible in the city.
No significant change in maximum temperatures across the region between 8 and 11 August .
Light to moderate rainfall forecast at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from 10 to 13 August .
North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall at isolated places on Saturday, 8 August, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai. The forecast comes as two weak atmospheric circulation systems persist over the region.
Weather Systems Behind the Alert
According to the latest bulletin from the RMC, a weak atmospheric circulation extending up to approximately 5.8 km above sea level persists from the southwest Bay of Bengal across Tamil Nadu towards the north Kerala coast. A second weak circulation is prevailing in the lower atmospheric levels over the coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu. Together, these systems are driving the unsettled weather pattern expected through the weekend.
Saturday Forecast: Winds Up to 50 kmph
Under the influence of these weather systems, isolated places in districts along the Western Ghats are likely to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph on Saturday. Similar conditions are expected at isolated places across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Isolated locations elsewhere in Tamil Nadu may also receive light rain with thunderstorms.
Chennai Outlook
In Chennai and its suburbs, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy on Saturday. Thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall are possible in some parts of the city during the evening or night. The maximum temperature in Chennai is expected to hover between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius. The RMC noted there is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal between 8 and 11 August, with day temperatures expected to remain close to normal.
Extended Forecast: 9–13 August
The weather is expected to become relatively calmer on Sunday, 9 August, with light to moderate rainfall likely at isolated places in the Western Ghats districts. A few isolated locations elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal could also receive light rainfall. From 10 to 12 August, light to moderate rainfall is forecast at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. On 13 August, isolated light to moderate rainfall has been forecast over the Western Ghats districts, north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with one or two locations in other parts of Tamil Nadu also likely to see light rain. Residents in low-lying and coastal areas are advised to remain alert through the week.
Point of View
But the dual-circulation setup — one system at altitude, another at surface level over the coast — is worth noting. Such stacked systems can intensify convective activity unpredictably, meaning the '40–50 kmph' figure is a floor, not a ceiling. The RMC's conservative language ('likely at isolated places') is standard hedging, but residents in low-lying coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu should treat this as a meaningful alert, not background noise. The extended outlook through 13 August suggests the break in monsoon activity that parts of Tamil Nadu experienced recently is firmly over.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are under the thunderstorm alert on 8 August?
North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are under the thunderstorm and gusty wind alert on Saturday, 8 August, according to the RMC Chennai. Districts along the Western Ghats are also likely to receive moderate rainfall with winds of 40–50 kmph.
How strong will the winds be during Saturday's thunderstorms?
The RMC has forecast surface winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph accompanying the thunderstorms in north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Saturday, 8 August.
What is the weather forecast for Chennai on Saturday?
Chennai and its suburbs are likely to see a partly cloudy sky on Saturday, with thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall possible during the evening or night. The maximum temperature is expected between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, and the minimum between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius.
What is causing the unsettled weather in Tamil Nadu?
Two weak atmospheric circulation systems are responsible — one extending from the southwest Bay of Bengal up to about 5.8 km above sea level towards the north Kerala coast, and another in the lower atmosphere over the coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu, according to the RMC Chennai bulletin.
What is the weather outlook for Tamil Nadu from 10 to 13 August?
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from 10 to 12 August. On 13 August, isolated light to moderate rain is expected over the Western Ghats districts, north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
