CHENNAI: Just when it seemed that Tuesday — which recorded a maximum temperature of 39.7 degree Celsius — would be yet another hot day, a sharp spell of rain brought down mercury levels.
The quantum of rainfall, which lasted around 45 minutes, exceeded 1cm, an amount which weather observers claimed was the first time in several months in Chennai. The Nungambakkam observatory of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded 1.1cm.
When contacted, S Balachandran, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said rain could continue for the next two to three days, resulting in fall of maximum temperatures across the State.
As per IMD data, as late as 2pm, there was little clue that rain was forthcoming, with temperatures hovering around 35 degree Celsius. But over the next few minutes, there was a rapid decline in temperatures, with the minimum reading showing 25.4 degree Celsius.
This coolness was brought about by the sharp spell of rainfall observed in several localities of the city. Pradeep John, weather blogger, told Express, “Tuesday’s rain was the first time since Cyclone Vardah last December that Chennai got more than 1cm rain.”
He also noted that the city normally receives about 5.5cm rain in June, a relatively dry month before rains usually pick up. Balachandran added that rain was caused due to progress of South West Monsoon (SWM) in the State. “SWM has already covered delta districts of Thanjavur and Thiruvarur, and is currently progressing northwards,” he said.
Papanasam (Thanjavur district) received 14cm rain and Valangaiman (Thiruvarur) got 8cm, while Erode and Nannilam (Thiruvarur) received 7cm during the 24-hour period ending 8.30am on Tuesday.