The Weather Department attributed the temperature surge to a change in wind patterns over the sea. Dry weather conditions are expected to persist across the state in the coming days. The maximum temperature is likely to remain 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal until February 20. It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu received 14 per cent excess rainfall during the recent northeast monsoon season. The state recorded 447 mm of rainfall, surpassing the average of 393 mm, while Coimbatore saw a 47 per cent increase in precipitation. The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) reported that most reservoirs across theState are nearing full capacity, 12 reservoirs are at 100 per cent capacity, 18 reservoirs have exceeded 90 per cent of their total capacity, 23 reservoirs have water levels between 70 pre cent and 80 per cent. The RMC forecast temperatures will likely be near normal to slightly above normal, ranging from 30°C to 34°C across most plains in the state. Meanwhile, northeasterly winds will cause mist and haze, especially over coastal districts such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram, during early morning hours over the next two days. Both maximum and minimum temperatures may slightly dip in the morning, averaging 33°C and 22°C, respectively.
