Chennai: Tamil Nadu is likely to witness widespread rainfall till August 17, with several districts expected to receive thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai said on Thursday.
The prevailing wet spell is linked to a weak low-level atmospheric circulation over coastal Tamil Nadu, which is expected to keep weather conditions favourable for rain over the next few days.
On Thursday, isolated parts of the Western Ghats are likely to receive light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong surface winds in some areas. Rainfall activity is expected to spread to more districts on August 14, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram.
Chennai may receive moderate rain with thunder and lightning during the evening or night. Residents have been advised to exercise caution while travelling, particularly during sudden downpours and thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on August 14 and 15, with light rain or drizzle likely in the national capital till August 17.
A fresh low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal is also expected to strengthen and move inland, triggering another spell of widespread monsoon rain. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of West Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while several other states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, may also receive heavy showers.
The IMD has advised residents to monitor local weather updates as rainfall intensity could vary significantly between districts.