South T.N. likely to experience a wet Deepavali this year with heavy rain forecast till Nov. 8

Sharp showers lashed Vellore on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the RMC forecast says north coastal districts will experience wet weather for the next three days.

The strengthening of easterlies and a cyclonic circulation have pushed the zone of intense rainfall towards south Tamil Nadu, with several districts expected to receive heavy showers till November 8.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast that Tamil Nadu would experience an enhanced rainfall activity, particularly in south Tamil Nadu, from November 5. With Cyclone Murasu weakening into a well-marked low pressure area, Northeast monsoon is set to return to its active phase.

Heavy rainfall, which would be concentrated over Theni, Dindigul, and Madurai districts on November 5, would spread to more districts, including Thoothukudi and Sivaganga, on November 6..

North coastal districts of the State would experience wet weather owing to the strengthening of the moist, easterly winds till November 8, said RMC officials.

On Wednesday, various places like Salem (4 cm), Ramanathapuram, and Krishnagiri (3 cm), Thanjavur (2 cm), and Tirunelveli received light to moderate rainfall till 7 p.m.

V.R. Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said an upper air cyclonic circulation over south TN and neighbourhood would bring widespread rainfall, particularly over southern and delta districts till November 8.

For instance, heavy rainfall is expected to cover districts such as Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and Tiruvarur, on November 8. Those along the Western Ghats have chances of moderate rainfall this week. “Tamil Nadu is likely to experience a wet Deepavali this year,” he said.

A few other places would receive light rain this week. With easterly waves expected to strengthen, there is a possibility of rainfall activity to enhance over Tamil Nadu, including coastal districts, after November 8.

The wet spell would sustain the maximum temperature close to normal in most parts of the State till Sunday. Tamil Nadu’s seasonal rainfall now remains at 11% surplus than the normal share of 20.2 cm since October 1. The ongoing wet weather is expected to increase the rainfall surplus, said officials.