Chennai, May 23 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of western and northern Tamil Nadu over the next three days, particularly in Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Vellore districts, even as several parts of the state continue to witness rising temperatures.

According to the weather department, an atmospheric circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining regions, while a low-pressure area remains active over Kerala and nearby southeastern areas. These weather systems are expected to influence rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu over the coming days.

The department said that Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupathur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi districts are likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, isolated rainfall is expected on Saturday in districts including Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Theni and Madurai.

The weather department has also issued a forecast for May 25 and 26, warning of heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur, along with Nilgiris, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, Madurai, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.

Meanwhile, Chennai is expected to witness partly cloudy skies through the day. The weather office said certain parts of the city could experience heat wave-like conditions despite the chances of isolated cloud cover.

Even as rain activity is predicted in several districts, temperatures across Tamil Nadu continue to remain high. Data from the weather department showed that 16 locations across the state recorded significantly high temperatures on Friday. Erode registered the highest temperature in the state at around 42 degrees C, followed by 41 degrees C in Chennai-Meenambakkam. Temperatures touched nearly 40 degree C in Tiruttani, Vellore, Madurai city and Tiruchirappalli.

Several other areas, including Chennai-Nungambakkam, Madurai Airport, Thanjavur and Karur Paramathi, recorded temperatures around 39 degrees C, while Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Palayamkottai, Parangipettai and Thoothukudi also experienced intense summer heat.

The contrasting weather pattern of heavy rain warnings in some districts and rising temperatures in others reflects the complex seasonal transition currently underway across Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

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