CHENNAI: Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for the next four days, according to the latest weather forecast issued on Sunday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre said the northeast monsoon is likely to withdraw from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and adjoining south Indian regions within the next 48 hours. A lower atmospheric circulation currently prevails over the Comorin Sea.
From January 18 to 20, dry weather is expected to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with light fog likely at isolated places during the early morning hours. Similar dry conditions are forecast for January 21 and 22 as well.
On January 23, light to moderate rain may occur at one or two places over coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, while interior districts are likely to remain dry. On January 24, light to moderate rainfall is expected at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, including Puducherry and Karaikal.
Regarding minimum temperatures, there is little chance of change between January 18 and 20. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain near normal or slightly below normal across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during this period.
For Chennai and its suburbs, the weather today (January 18) and tomorrow (January 19) is expected to be partly cloudy, with light fog in a few places during the early morning hours. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 30–31°C, while the minimum temperature may hover around 19–20°C.
Strong winds with speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely to prevail on January 18 over the south Tamil Nadu coastal areas, the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin Sea. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these sea areas during the period, the statement said.