The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rainfall across the Western Ghats districts of Tamil Nadu through 30 July, attributing the weather pattern to a weak low-pressure circulation persisting over the lower atmospheric levels along the Tamil Nadu coast. The forecast, issued on 25 July, covers several days of consistent shower activity across the hill-facing belt.

What the Weather System Means for Tamil Nadu

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the weak low-pressure system is generating enough moisture flux to sustain moderate showers along the Western Ghats corridor. The rest of Tamil Nadu is expected to receive only light showers, accompanied by strong surface winds.

Meteorologists noted that atmospheric conditions remain broadly favourable for scattered rainfall across the state, though intensity and distribution will vary by region. The Western Ghats belt is positioned to receive the heaviest benefit, given its elevation and exposure to moisture-laden winds from the west.

Chennai Outlook

In Chennai, the IMD has predicted light rain in isolated pockets on Saturday, with skies expected to remain partly cloudy through the day. Despite the possibility of brief spells of rain, humid conditions are likely to persist across the city.

Heat Advisory for Interior Districts

The weather department has simultaneously issued a heat advisory for several interior districts of Tamil Nadu, warning that maximum temperatures could run up to 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average until 28 July.

Districts flagged under the advisory include Vellore, Erode, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli. Residents in these areas have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun, stay adequately hydrated, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Temperatures across the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal, are expected to remain close to normal for this time of year.

Monitoring and Public Advisory

Weather officials said they are closely tracking the evolution of the weak low-pressure system and its downstream impact on rainfall distribution. Residents in hilly and rain-prone areas have been urged to stay alert and follow official IMD bulletins, as conditions could shift over the coming days. This comes amid the broader southwest monsoon season, when low-pressure systems along the Tamil Nadu coast are a recurring feature capable of intensifying rainfall in short windows.