North Coastal Tamil Nadu to Remain Under Wet Spell Through August 27 The northern coastal regions of Tamil Nadu are expected to experience continuous rainfall until August 27, with sporadic showers likely to keep temperatures near normal across much of the state. Isolated heavy downpours are anticipated in parts of the Western Ghats, while the ongoing wet weather will provide relief from the persistent afternoon heat in urban areas like Chennai. Heavy showers swept through northern districts, including Chennai, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai, during the afternoon of Friday, with rainfall intensifying in several locations. Ranipet recorded 2 centimeters of rain, while areas around Chennai—such as Nungambakkam, Ennore Port, Meenambakkam, Poonamallee, and Taramani—also saw significant precipitation. These downpours offered temporary respite to residents grappling with elevated temperatures earlier in the day. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) attributed the wet weather to a cyclonic circulation linked to a weather system moving inland over Chhattisgarh and northern Odisha. Officials explained that this system would influence rainfall patterns, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s north coastal regions. V.R. Durai, head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at the RMC, noted that the weather system is projected to shift toward northern Odisha by Sunday. However, its lingering presence over land areas will continue to bring rain to Tamil Nadu’s north coastal regions, including Chennai. The offshore trough near the Tamil Nadu coast is also expected to strengthen, further enhancing rainfall in the north coastal areas.#chennai #tamil_nadu #regional_meteorological_centre #western_ghats #ranipet

Tamil Nadu Weather Update: Rain Forecast for Specific Regions The Tamil Nadu Meteorological Centre has issued an update regarding the likelihood of rain in the state. According to the report, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in certain areas on specific dates. The forecast highlights the movement of a weak low-pressure trough in the lower atmospheric layer, which is influencing weather patterns. Rainfall Details 21-08-2026: Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds (40-50 km/h) is anticipated in parts of the Western Ghats, Northern Coastal Tamil Nadu, and the Puducherry and Kanyakumari regions. 22-08-2026: Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds (40-50 km/h) is expected in the Western Ghats, Northern Coastal Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry/Kanyakumari. Light rain with thunderstorms may occur in other parts of the state. 23-08-2026: Moderate rainfall is predicted in the Western Ghats and Northern Coastal Tamil Nadu, along with Puducherry/Kanyakumari. Light rain may occur in other regions. 24-08-2026 to 25-08-2026: Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Coimbatore and Nilgiri districts. Moderate rain is expected in the Western Ghats and Northern Coastal Tamil Nadu, while light rain may occur elsewhere. 26-08-2026: Light rain is anticipated in parts of Tamil Nadu and the Puducherry/Kanyakumari regions. Temperature Forecast The report notes minimal temperature fluctuations from 21-08-2026 to 24-08-2026. The maximum temperature in the state, including Puducherry and Kanyakumari, is expected to remain stable, with slight increases in the interior regions. The deviation from normal temperatures is projected to be minimal, with some areas experiencing a 2-4°C rise.#coimbatore #kanyakumari #puducherry #western_ghats #tamil_nadu_meteorological_centre

Brookfield-controlled Leela Palaces acquires South India luxury resort Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts Ltd, a luxury hospitality chain majority owned by Canadian investment firm Brookfield, has acquired an ultra-luxury resort in Karnataka’s Coorg region for Rs 560 crore ($60.8 million). The deal marks the company’s entry into nature-led hospitality, with the property set to be rebranded as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year. The resort, located near Madikeri in the Western Ghats, is positioned close to Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and is renowned for its coffee estates, misty hills, waterfalls, and Kodava cultural heritage. The 71-villa property spans 76 acres and includes significant land reserves for future development. The first phase of the project will add 19 villas, bringing the total inventory to 90. Leela’s CEO, Anuraag Bhatnagar, emphasized the company’s focus on destinations with cultural and ecological value, stating that the acquisition strengthens Leela’s presence in South India and supports its strategy of expanding across iconic Indian landscapes. In parallel, Leela’s board approved an investment of Rs 231 crore in its subsidiary, Leela Luxe Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd. The funds will be allocated for acquisitions, development, expansion, refurbishments, capital expenditures, and working capital needs. The Coorg acquisition brings Leela’s portfolio to 15 properties with over 4,160 keys across 13 cities globally, including seven owned, seven managed, and one franchised hotel. The company aims to increase its holdings to 24 properties within three years, with nine projects currently in the pipeline. Leela competes with major hospitality players such as Indian Hotels Co. (Taj Hotels), ITC Hotels, EIH Ltd (Oberoi Hotels), Chalet Hotels, and Ventive Hospitality Ltd, which is backed by Blackstone.#brookfield #leela_palaces #coorg #madikeri #western_ghats
