Will Tamil Nadu Experience Heavy Rains Until May 20?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall is forecasted in Tamil Nadu until May 20.
- Weather changes are linked to an upper air circulation.
- Significant relief from summer heat is anticipated.
- Districts may see varying rainfall patterns over the weekend.
- Chennai might avoid crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark this summer.
Chennai, May 17 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecasted intense rainfall across numerous districts of Tamil Nadu until May 20.
The RMC has linked this weather change to an upper air circulation, which is anticipated to deliver heavy showers to various regions in the state over the upcoming days.
The summer heat has subsided throughout Tamil Nadu, with extensive rainfall providing essential relief from the oppressive and humid climate.
As per the RMC predictions, substantial rainfall is expected on Saturday in the northern districts including Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, and Tiruvannamalai.
By Sunday, the rain is projected to migrate southward, impacting districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Salem, and Kallakurichi.
This wet period is forecasted to continue until May 20.
Meteorologists have also indicated that the early arrival of the southwest monsoon is shaping the current weather conditions.
Weather systems are developing over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which is contributing to a shorter duration of the typical intense summer heat usually experienced in May.
Chennai, which frequently observes temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during this month, has yet to reach that level this year.
If these conditions persist, the city may completely avoid surpassing the 40 degrees Celsius mark this summer.
Weather specialist Pradeep John referred to the ongoing season as “one of the most unique” in recent history.
“There has been no heatwave thus far, and Chennai is unlikely to exceed 40 degrees Celsius — akin to trends seen in 2022, 2018, and 2004,” he remarked.
As the weekend approaches, the upper air circulation is expected to draw nearer to the coast, with easterly winds affecting areas such as Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu, resulting in moderate to heavy rainfall.
Despite no days reaching 40 degrees Celsius so far, the RMC noted that temperatures were slightly above normal earlier in May.
The combination of high humidity made the initial part of the month uncomfortable.
However, below-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated in the following week due to persistent cloud cover and ongoing rainfall.