Chennai and surrounding areas experience cloudy weather

Exceptionally heavy rain is likely in several districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. | Photo credit: RAGU R

Chennai experienced a cloudy Saturday due to the interaction of a low-level circulation over the central Bay of Bengal and a north-south trough extending along the coast of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas. Temperatures dropped in northern districts due to cloud cover that started early in the morning.

Nungambakkam station recorded a welcome 32.3 degrees Celsius against the normal of 38.2 degrees Celsius. Meenambakkam recorded 32.4 degrees Celsius against the normal of 39.1 degrees Celsius.

According to VR Durai, Director, Regional Weather Forecast Centre, this enhanced low-level wind convergence near the north coast of Tamil Nadu has changed the prevailing wind flow from dry northwesterlies to moist northeasterly/steady winds from the Bay of Bengal.

“An important feature observed today was the early intensification of the sea breeze circulation, with strong onshore winds of around 25-30 km/h developing from 8:00 am. These moist sea winds transported significant moisture inland over Chennai and adjacent areas. The combined effect of increased moisture intrusion, strong low-level convergence and persistent coastal low-level areas near Chennai supported he explained the formation of the onshore current and the permanent current.

Residents of Nochikuppam reported that Marina Beach saw a small sandstorm in the morning. “The wind just blew the sands. Police told morning walkers to get off the beach. Two boats returning after a night at sea capsized but no one was injured,” resident K. Bharathi said.

Sunday is also expected to be cloudy for Chennai and surrounding areas. On Sunday, isolated places over Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruchlaamkurich, Kalalemali, heavy rain with thunder and lightning is likely with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at one or two places of Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Theni and Madurai Districts. Light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal region.

Published – 24 May 2026 0:32 IST