A few pockets in interior Tamil Nadu may, however, continue to experience sweltering weather as moisture incursion may not penetrate till interior belt, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. On Thursday, Tiruchi recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.5 degree Celsius in the State.
Coastal places, including Chennai, experienced normal temperatures as cloud cover kept the heat in check. The onset and strength of the sea breeze play a role in determining temperatures. The delayed onset of sea breeze led to hotter weather conditions, said officials of the RMC.
V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said the Southwest Monsoon had remained weak in most parts of the south peninsular region this September. The prevailing dry conditions had pushed the temperature higher in neighbouring States and in interior parts of Tamil Nadu. Normally, temperatures remain moderate in most parts of the State by this time of the year. He attributed the elevated temperatures in Tamil Nadu this September partly to the prevailing active El Nino conditions.
The RMC is yet to announce the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from other regions of the country. The monsoon remains active in some parts like Odisha, Mr. Durai said.
With only a couple of weeks for the official end of the monsoon, Tamil Nadu has recorded a rainfall deficit. The State has received 18.1 cm of rainfall so far, 26% below the average for the season since June 1.
The RMC has predicted that isolated places in Western Ghats districts may get moderate rainfall on Friday, while districts, including Cuddalore, Madurai and delta districts may receive light to moderate rainfall on Friday. Gusty winds of speed reaching up to 40-50 kmph may also prevail.
Similar rainfall pattern may cover coastal region and districts like Theni and Dindigul during the weekend. Scattered rainfall may continue over the State till September 16.
The RMC has predicted rainfall to occur in some areas of Chennai on Friday and the maximum temperature would be around 34-35 degrees Celsius.
