CHENNAI: The capital experienced a cooler Sunday, with day temperatures dropping well below normal due to widespread clouding across Tamil Nadu, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The average maximum temperature in the city settled at around 25°C, nearly 4.6°C below normal. Similar departures were recorded in Salem, Coimbatore, Tirupattur and Vellore, where maximum temperatures were 5-6°C lower than usual. Hill regions also remained significantly cooler, with Kodaikanal recording a minimum of 10.9°C.
The IMD said night temperatures are likely to dip gradually from January 13 to 15, bringing slightly cooler conditions across the state.
Rainfall activity continues under the influence of the Northeast Monsoon, which remains active over parts of south Tamil Nadu. Rain was reported at a few places across the state, with more widespread showers in southern districts and isolated rain in the north.
For January 12, the IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for isolated places in the Cauvery delta and adjoining coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Karaikal. Rainfall is expected to ease over the next two days, with light to moderate rain confined to isolated places, mainly over south Tamil Nadu. From January 15, dry weather is likely to prevail across the state.
The weather is linked to a weakened low-pressure system over the northeast Sri Lanka coast, with a residual circulation over south coastal Tamil Nadu and the adjoining Gulf of Mannar continuing to bring cloud cover and rain.
For Chennai, generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain in some areas are forecast for Monday.