The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall and gusty winds across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the coming days, driven by a weak low-pressure circulation persisting over the state's coastal areas in the lower atmospheric levels. The weather system is expected to influence conditions across the region through at least July 28.

Western Ghats on Alert

The Western Ghats districts are set to bear the brunt of the weather activity, with the IMD projecting moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in those hilly zones until July 28. Moisture-laden winds funnelling into the hill districts are expected to sustain intermittent showers over successive days. The department has urged residents in these areas to remain updated with official advisories, as isolated locations could experience brief spells of heavy rain and strong gusts.

Rain Outlook for Chennai and Coastal Areas

For Chennai, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies through the day, with moderate rainfall likely at a few places during the evening or night hours. Occasional gusty winds are expected to accompany these brief spells. Moderate rainfall is also likely at isolated places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Thursday and Friday under the influence of the prevailing circulation. The rest of the state is expected to see light to moderate scattered showers, with intensity remaining lower than in the Ghats region.

Above-Normal Temperatures in Interior Districts

Despite the rainfall forecast, the IMD has warned that maximum temperatures in the interior districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to remain up to 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average until July 26. Residents in these zones — particularly those engaged in outdoor activities — have been advised to take precautions against heat stress during daytime hours. In contrast, temperatures across the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to stay close to normal levels during the forecast period.

What Is Driving the Weather

Meteorologists attribute the current pattern to the combined effect of the weak coastal low-pressure circulation and prevailing seasonal atmospheric conditions. This is a characteristic mid-monsoon setup for Tamil Nadu, where low-level circulations over the Bay of Bengal coast periodically reinforce rainfall activity even when a well-marked low-pressure system is absent. The forecast reflects conditions typical of the July–August monsoon window for the state, though the above-normal heat in interior districts underscores the uneven distribution of monsoon benefits this season.

Advisories and What to Watch

The IMD has advised the public — especially in Western Ghats districts — to monitor official weather bulletins closely, as localised conditions can shift rapidly. Authorities in vulnerable hill districts may issue additional alerts if rainfall intensity picks up beyond current projections. Residents across the state should remain prepared for intermittent spells through the end of July.