Chennai, April 8 (IANS) Parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday, with thunderstorms and lightning expected at isolated locations, bringing some relief from the ongoing heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Rainfall activity is expected across south Tamil Nadu, north coastal districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal. The Western Ghats regions are also likely to witness showers, while much of the north interior of Tamil Nadu may remain largely dry.

In Chennai, partly cloudy skies will prevail, with chances of moderate rain in some areas during the day. Despite the rain forecast, heatwave conditions continue to grip several districts.

On Tuesday, at least 12 locations recorded extremely high temperatures, with Vellore emerging as the hottest place in the State at 42.2 degrees Celsius. Karur followed closely at 41degrees, while Erode and Namakkal recorded temperatures around the 40-degree mark.

Other districts such as Tirupattur (39.5 degrees), Tiruchy (39 degrees), and Tiruttani (38.9 degrees) also experienced near-heatwave conditions.

Additional locations, including Paramathi, Dharmapuri, and Palayamkottai, reported high temperatures, while cities like Madurai, Salem, and Tiruchy airport saw mercury levels crossing 37 degrees.

The IMD has noted that maximum temperatures across parts of the State were 2–3 degrees above normal, indicating sustained heat stress conditions.

Weather experts warn that despite intermittent rainfall, there is unlikely to be any significant drop in temperatures in the coming days.

Looking ahead, similar weather patterns are expected to continue on April 9, with isolated rainfall likely in several regions.

From April 10 onwards, scattered light to moderate rain may occur across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, before gradually becoming confined to the Western Ghats and delta districts.

Meteorologists attribute the current mix of heat and localised rainfall to a wind discontinuity extending from eastern India to the Gulf of Mannar, which is supporting convective activity.

Even as brief showers offer temporary respite, authorities advise the public to remain cautious, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to peak daytime heat, as above-normal temperatures are expected to persist across many parts of the state.

–IANS

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