Rain to pick up pace in TN gradually in coming days

CHENNAI: Chennaiites woke up to a loud rumble of thunder and intense spells on Wednesday due to a downward circulation prevailing over Andhra Pradesh. The rain is likely to continue over several districts of Tamil Nadu till October 9, said the Regional Meteorological Center (RMC).

“Heavy rain along with thunderstorm activity is likely to occur over Chennai, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Perambalur, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Chengalpattu, Tirupattur, Ranipet and Mayiladuthurai districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for the next four days. The spell is expected to gradually increase in the coming days,” said a senior RMC official.

The sudden downpour gave a break to the soaring temperatures. The maximum temperature has decreased by two –three degrees Celsius more than normal. On Wednesday, Chennai city recorded 27 degrees Celsius and 26 degree Celsius at Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam respectively. The highest temperature was reported at Madurai airport at 38.3 degree Celsius, and the lowest was in three districts – Salem, Erode and Namakkal recording around 22 degrees Celsius.

The Centre advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next two days. Strong wind is likely to blow at a speed of 40 to 50 kmph over the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and adjoining South Tamil Nadu coast, Southwest Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka the coast.

Weather bloggers stated, “Rains likely over many places on the Peninsular East coast under the influence of the circulation off the coast of Andhra Pradesh. And one or two places in North Tamil Nadu could see heavy spells of rain. At times, rains will gradually increase for Chennai and the suburbs.”

According to RMC, during the last 24 hours, the highest amount of rainfall was recorded in Coimbatore and Salem with 3 cm each, Tiruvarur, Nilgiris and Tiruppur with 2 cm each, Erode, Theni, Thoothukudi, and Namakkal received 1 cm of rainfall each.