An upper-air cyclonic circulation over north coastal Tamil Nadu will bring scattered rainfall over various parts of the State till June 15, providing a respite from the searing heat.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast that heavy rainfall may occur over the delta districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai, on Sunday. The weather system would also trigger moderate rainfall over the north Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, Perambalur, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi, on Sunday.

On Saturday too, several places, including Palayamkottai, Karaikal, Salem, and Dharmapuri, received light rainfall till 6 p.m. While the wet weather is likely to continue till June 19, meteorologists noted that only isolated places may receive rainfall between June 16 and 19. The persistence of wet weather would also mean a drop in soaring temperatures till June 15 as the maximum temperature is expected to be close to normal.

On Saturday, the maximum temperature stayed close to normal in most weather stations, which were under the grip of scorching heat. However, some places like Madurai and Karur experienced temperatures that were 3-4 degrees Celsius above average. Madurai Airport recorded 39.5 degrees Celsius, the hottest day temperature in the State.

V.R. Durai, Director, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC, said that besides the prevailing upper-air cyclonic circulation, Southwest monsoon flow would also influence a wet spell in many parts of the State and keep temperatures in check. However, there may be a warming trend in the north interior districts for three or four days after June 15 once the weather system moves away.

The RMC has predicted that Chennai will experience a maximum temperature of 35-36 degrees Celsius and moderate rainfall in some areas on Sunday.