CHENNAI: Chennai endured another sweltering day on Monday, with maximum temperatures nearing 39°C at both Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam. However, light showers brought some respite to parts of the city in the evening. The meteorological department has forecast thunderstorms across Tamil Nadu and heavy rain over the Western Ghats towards the end of the week.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Nungambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 38.8°C, which was 3.6°C above normal, while Meenambakkam registered 38.7°C, 3.4°C above normal. Madurai city was the hottest place in the state at 40.6°C, followed by Madurai Airport at 40.4°C.
The IMD said the feeble trough along and off the TN coast in the lower tropospheric levels persists, favouring thunderstorm activity over the state during the next few days. Heavy rainfall has been forecast over the Nilgiris on July 30, extending to Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni districts on July 31 and August 1. Moderate rainfall is also likely across other Western Ghat districts during this period.
Despite the rain forecast, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 2-4°C above normal in several parts of Tamil Nadu until July 30, with no significant change expected through July 31.
Chennai is likely to remain partly cloudy, with light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next two days. The city is expected to record maximum temperatures of 38°C-39°C and minimum temperatures of 29°C-30°C.
On Monday evening, light showers were recorded in several parts of the city. Rainfall recorded till 7.30 pm showed 30 mm at Taramani and 25 mm at Meenambakkam ISRO.
