Chennai, Aug 29:
Temperatures are expected to rise marginally in several interior districts of Tamil Nadu over the next few days, even as parts of the State, including Chennai and its suburbs, may receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast a rise in temperatures between August 28 and 31, with some interior areas likely to record temperatures 2–3°C above normal.
Tiruchirappalli recorded the highest temperature in the State on Thursday at 103.6°F. Madurai Airport recorded 102.2°F, while temperatures also crossed the 100°F mark in Madurai city and Parangipettai.
The weather department said other parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal were likely to record temperatures close to normal during the period.
At the same time, a weak low-level atmospheric circulation prevailing along the Tamil Nadu coast is expected to trigger rain in several parts of the State.
Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph is likely in several districts.
The Western Ghats and Delta districts are among the areas expected to receive rain. Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram may also receive rainfall.
From August 29 to 31, the Western Ghats are expected to experience moderate rain in some areas.
Chennai and its suburbs may also receive moderate rain, with thunderstorms and lightning, particularly during the evening and night.
Meanwhile, significant rainfall was recorded in parts of Coimbatore district during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Thursday.
Chinnakallar and Sholayar recorded the highest rainfall at 80 mm each.
The contrasting weather pattern — rising temperatures in the interior and intermittent rain in several districts — is expected to continue over the weekend.
Residents in areas likely to experience thunderstorms have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during periods of lightning and strong winds.