Chennai: The surprise showers on Tuesday night brought much-needed relief from the summer heat, breaking a prolonged dry spell across the city and its suburbs. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast additional light to moderate rainfall on Thursday, which may further ease daytime temperatures to 38-39 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast for Thursday
According to an IMD bulletin, “On Thursday, the city and the suburbs may receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the evening or night hours. Partly cloudy skies are expected, keeping temperatures at a maximum of 38-39°C and a minimum of 29-30°C.”
Temperature Trends
The Tuesday showers led to a slight dip in temperatures on Wednesday, although they remained above normal. Nungambakkam recorded a high of 39°C, which is approximately 2 degrees above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, Meenambakkam registered 39.2°C, about 1.9 degrees above normal.
End of Dry Spell
The late evening spells on Tuesday over several central neighbourhoods occurred after more than 40 days of predominantly dry weather, coupled with persistent summer heat and humidity. Earlier in the day, both city observatories had crossed the 40°C mark before thunderstorms developed, providing relief.
Meteorological Insights
Meteorologists explained that rainfall during the southwest monsoon season is typically scattered over Chennai, as the city lies in the monsoon rain-shadow region. Showers are often triggered by moisture transported by southwesterly winds, local daytime heating, and interactions between sea-breeze and inland winds. During weak or break-monsoon phases, convergence between easterlies from the Bay of Bengal and westerlies can further enhance thunderstorm activity.
“It may not rain every day, but the chances of rainfall over Chennai and surrounding areas remain high over the next couple of days,” an official stated.
