3 days ago
Rain alert persists for a few Western Ghats districts this week
Strong wind convergence will influence heavy rainfall in a few Western Ghats districts this week. Chennai may have another day of respite from warm weather as evening showers may continue on Friday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow weather alert for the Ghat areas of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris districts till Saturday as there is a possibility of rainfall up to 12 cm. Strong surface winds with speed reaching 40-50 km per hour may prevail at isolated places of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till Saturday.
Chennai, which was experiencing warm and humid days, may have relief from the sultry weather on Friday. Evening thunderstorms with light or moderate rainfall may lash some parts of the city and keep the temperature around 36 degree Celsius - 37 degree Celsius.
B. Geetha, Scientist 'D', RMC, said an increase in the westerly wind speed would lead to wind convergence, triggering rainfall over the Ghat areas. In coastal places like Chennai, the presence of atmospheric moisture, combined with hot westerlies, would bring thunderstorms in the evening or night hours. Sometimes, wind advection from other places like Rayalaseema might also influence thunderstorms in coastal regions, including Chennai.
It was typical for the westerlies to strengthen in south T.N. districts like Thoothukudi, Theni and Dindigul around this time of the year, she said. Isolated rainfall might prevail over the State till July 9.
On Thursday, places like Valparai, Udhagamandalam, Perambalur and Nagercoil recorded mild showers between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
The day turned noticeably cooler in Chennai, with temperature dropping by nearly three degree Celsius after the previous day's rainfall. Weather stations in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 34.1 degree Celsius and 34.6 degree Celsius, respectively. Areas like Kasimedu (7 cm) and Perambur (6 cm) received heavy rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Thursday.
The State had so far received 12% surplus rainfall during this Southwest monsoon beginning June 1. Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli and Theni were among the districts that received excess rainfall this season, she said.
In its outlook for July, the department has forecast a possibility of above normal temperature in most of the coastal places.
