Chennai Cools Down as Rain and Winds Bring Relief from Heat

Mercury Dips as Gusty Rain Draws the Curtain on Hot Day in Chennai

Chennai experienced much-needed relief from the heat on Thursday evening as sharp, intermittent spells of rain accompanied by gusty winds cooled the city and its suburbs. Earlier in the day, temperatures had soared to 38.3°C in Nungambakkam and 38.5°C in Meenambakkam, both a degree above normal for this time of year.

The rainfall, however, was unevenly distributed across the city. While Nungambakkam recorded a modest 0.8mm of rain, Meenambakkam saw a more substantial 17.2mm. Other areas such as Chembarambakkam, Sathyabama University, and Poonamallee logged 26.5mm, 24mm, and 9.5mm of rainfall, respectively. Gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph were also reported in Meenambakkam.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning for Friday. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop slightly to 36°C-37°C, while nighttime temperatures may hover around 28°C-29°C.

According to V R Durai, director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre at the IMD, Thursday's rainfall was triggered by a north-south trough extending from the Vidarbha region to central Tamil Nadu across Andhra Pradesh at an altitude of 0.9 km above mean sea level. He noted that the possibility of rainfall on Friday would depend on the movement and sustainability of this weather system.

Despite the temporary relief, daytime temperatures across much of Tamil Nadu are expected to remain around 38°C over the next five days.