Rain forecast for Chennai as low pressure forms over Bay of Bengal

Chennai: City and suburbs may get some respite from the summer heat as a low-pressure area, which formed over Bay of Bengal on Monday morning, is likely to bring rainfall. India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain over a few southern and delta districts, and light rainfall in city and suburbs on Tuesday. There may be some rain activity in the state till April 13.

The low-pressure area, which formed over central parts of the south Bay of Bengal at 8.30am on Monday, is likely to move northwestwards over the southwest Bay of Bengal till April 8. Thereafter, it is likely to move nearly northwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours, said B Amudha, deputy director-general (addl charge), regional meteorological centre, IMD.

On April 8, districts such as Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai may receive heavy rainfall at isolated places. "From April 9 to 13, there may be light to moderate rainfall at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas," she said.

On Tuesday, city and suburbs may receive light rainfall over some areas. Temperatures may be at a maximum of 35C-36C and a minimum of 27C-28C. Skies may be partly cloudy.

Experts said weather models show that the system is likely to move towards Odisha-West Bengal, dragging winds from the lands. This may cause temperatures to rise.

"Maximum temperature is likely to be 2C-3C above normal at isolated pockets in Tamil Nadu till April 10," an IMD bulletin said.

On Monday, the city's Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observatories recorded 35.5C and 35.7C, around 1.2C and 0.4C above normal. Vellore reported the highest temperature at 38.6C, around 0.7C above normal.