Chennai experienced overcast skies accompanied by a cool breeze on Saturday, marking the second consecutive day of light showers across several localities in the city. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that similar weather patterns may persist into Sunday, with forecasts predicting moderate rainfall for Chennai and heavy rainfall for the neighboring Chengalpet district.
Weather Forecast and Conditions
According to an IMD bulletin issued on Saturday, Sunday is expected to bring moderate rainfall to the city and its suburbs, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. The sky is likely to remain generally cloudy throughout the day. Temperature ranges are projected to hover between a maximum of 28°C to 29°C and a minimum of 22°C to 23°C, providing a relatively cool and pleasant atmosphere for residents.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Rainfall
Meteorologists have attributed the recent showers to a trough, which is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, currently situated in the easterlies. As of Saturday, this trough was positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. The interaction between this trough and the westerlies has triggered convection, leading to scattered showers over Chennai. While heavy spells forecast for Saturday did not materialize in the city, light showers were recorded, with Nungambakkam receiving 0.2mm of rain and Meenambakkam accumulating 5mm.
Extended Rainfall Predictions
Weather bloggers have suggested that the monsoon-like conditions could continue for another two days. In an online post, blogger Pradeep John noted that rainfall could become more widespread, potentially extending from Chennai to the delta region. He emphasized that not only coastal districts but also interior and southern districts of Tamil Nadu may receive rainfall in the coming days, indicating a broader impact across the state.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates to ensure public safety and preparedness.
