CHENNAI: In one of the most intense spells of rainfall recorded over last 40 years, Chennai on Sunday got pounded by a mini-Vardah-like storm, bringing 73 mm of rainfall in just one hour. Several parts of the city, especially low-lying areas, have reported flooding. It was by far the wettest day so far this year.
Strong thunderstorm activity over the city has triggered cloud burst. All hell broke loose about 7.30 pm, and the tempo remained till 8.30 pm. Though the Met department had forecast rainfall and thunderstorm during evening and night hours, the intensity of downpour was something that was not expected.
Almost all parts of the city have received heavy rainfall. At times, the rainfall was coupled with gusty winds, rekindling memories of the storm during Cyclone Vardah. Believe it or not, Chennai has received a cumulative rainfall of 61 mm from January to July 8 this year, and it was breached in the matter of an hour.
S Balachandran, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, told Express that oceanic conditions had perfectly fallen in place to unleash monstrous thunderstorm activity. The easterlies that blew in evening hours have helped the cause. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is also encouraging. Met officials said sky condition would be cloudy and rain or thundershower is likely during evening or night.
Maximum and minimum temperatures will hover around 37 and 29 degree Celsius, respectively.
Noted weather blogger Pradeep John, who has the hourly rainfall data from 1975, said Sunday’s rainfall in one hour is probably the second intense spell received by the city in the last 40 years. The all-time high was recorded in September 1996, when Chennai received 92 mm rainfall in one hour.