As of 22:10 GMT, 17 MAR 2008

SOUTH INDIA

SUMMARY- Showers and thundershowers noted in southern areas yesterday, 0.10-1.50+ inches (3-38+ mm). Mostly dry elsewhere. Temperatures 80 to 104F (27 to 40C).

FORECAST-

TODAY...Additional showers and thundershowers south, mainly in Tamilnadu and Kerala, 0.10-1.00+ inch (3-25+ mm). Continuing mostly dry elsewhere. Temperatures 82 to 104F (28 to 40C).

TONIGHT...A few showers lingering far south, mostly dry elsewhere overnight. Areas of haze and smoke. TOMORROW...Similar conditions to those of today.

OUTLOOK...Scattered showers diminishing in Tamilnadu and Kerala, mostly dry conditions elsewhere this period. Temperatures increasingly warm to hot.

INDIA CHILLI - South India

Grown all year but the major arrival season extends from February to April. Needs warm and humid climate. Can't take heavy moisture.

CROP IMPACT: Rainfall late in the Monsoon rainy season likely favored development of this crop. It had been drier since then, until showersredeveloped early in February.

Heavy rains have developed through parts of the south India region since late last week. This may cause problems for any harvest activities in the area at this time. Source: Meteorlogix, DTN's brand of commercial weather services.