CHENNAI: The city can expect a cloudy day, and a few pockets may experience light to moderate rainfall today, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said. The mercury may rise by 2–3°C above normal in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until April 21.

On Friday, thunderstorms and lightning are likely to occur at one or two places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry areas. Light to moderate rain may occur at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal regions until April 23.

The temperature may range from 33-38°C over the plains of the north interior of the state, and around 37-39°C over the plains of the south interior of the state. Further, the coastal belt may experience 32-35°C and 23-29°C over hilly areas.

Deputy director general of RMC P Senthamarai Kannan said no heat wave conditions have been recorded in the city yet, although the temperature may surge in the upcoming two weeks.

"Northern Coastal regions are likely to receive rainfall in the next two weeks, and they may witness a gradual rise in temperature by 2-3°C over the period," he said, adding, "Due to the air pollution and low wind at night, night temperature was recorded above normal."

Madurai airport recorded the highest maximum temperature of 38.8°C in Tamil Nadu, and Karur Paramathi recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 21°C in the plains of Tamil Nadu.