Scattered rainfall across Tamil Nadu almost daily has helped narrow the rainfall deficit this month compared with the shortfall in July. The Regional Meteorological Centre has, however, forecast that the State would witness subdued rainfall till September 1, along with a rise in temperatures over interior parts of the State.Tamil Nadu has recorded an overall rainfall of nearly 16 cm so far this Southwest monsoon from June 1. Though this is 18% below the average rainfall for the period till Wednesday, the RMC considers this to be within the normal range.V.R.Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said July alone had recorded a rainfall deficit of nearly 67%, pulling down the seasonal rainfall figures. Frequent wet spells in August have since helped reduce the overall deficit. Some of the districts that are still experiencing a large rainfall shortage include Chengalpattu, Karur, Nagapattinam, Tirupattur and Ramanathapuram.On Wednesday, various places such as Valparai, Coonoor, Ranipet and Poonamallee received rainfall till 6 p.m. Tiruchi recorded 38.5 degree Celsius, the highest day temperature in the State for the day.With the Southwest monsoon picking up pace in other parts of the country, rainfall intensity would reduce in TN. Thunderstorm activity may be largely confined to isolated parts, including the western ghats region, till September 1, he said.According to the RMC, some districts, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram and delta region, may receive light to moderate rainfall on Thursday. Rainfall activity may reduce further from Friday as weather systems favouring wind convergence have moved away.This would also mean a slight increase in temperature levels, particularly in interior parts till September 1. The RMC has predicted that there may be an increase in wet spells over the State from September 2.Coastal parts like Chennai may be spared from peaking temperatures due to the intervention of sea breeze between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., officials said.The RMC has forecast a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms during evening/night hours on Thursday and the maximum temperature to be around 36-37 degree Celsius. Published - August 27, 2026 05:30 am IST