CHENNAI: Residents of the city and its suburban areas can expect a pleasant Tuesday, with the meteorological department predicting cloudy skies and spells of rainfall which are likely to keep mercury levels to below normal mark. Met officials attribute it to the prevalence of upper air cyclonic circulation near north coastal Andhra Pradesh and nearby area. S Balakrishnan, Director, Indian Meteorological Department, Chennai, said there is a possibility of thunderstorms bringing rainfall to northern Tamil Nadu, including the capital.
He cited favourable conditions are in place for the rains to occur in the next 48 hours. “Winds are being attracted to the region and hence there will be a flow of moisture. Thunderstorms are likely in Chennai since there is an interaction between coastal land and ocean,” he said. Balachandran said the skies are likely to remain cloudy with rainfall to be expected in the evening. The maximum temperature is not expected to go above 34 degrees Celsius, which is below normal.
Rains, notably, began on Monday evening itself, with several suburban areas benefitting. According to IMD data, derived from automatic rainwater gauge, until 8.30 pm, Red Hills (20mm), Meenambakkam (30mm), Puzhal (20mm), Taramani (25mm) and Anna University (33mm) all got significant rain. Significantly, the Nungambakkam observatory has only recorded 1 mm rainfall, which indicates that area has missed out, even as other localities experienced showers. The rains are much needed as the city has received a paltry amount until now, with the deficit currently standing at more than 50%.