Rain on Cards for Several Districts in Tamil Nadu, Including Chennai

Coming as a relief to a parched state, weathermen on Wednesday predicted rain in several districts of Tamil Nadu, especially along the coast. While Chennai is likely to receive light rain showers, heavy rains may lash other southern districts like Pudhukottai, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Cuddalore on Wednesday.

These districts have been issued a yellow watch to be prepared for till Thursday morning.

These rains, however, are not due to the southwestern monsoon winds. “These rains are caused by local convective heat. An easterly jet stream present at a height of 13kms above mean sea level over the Bay of Bengal has enhanced the chances of rainfall along the coast,” told director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai N Puviarasan to The Weather Channel. “There are chances of heavy rainfall in some districts in southern Tamil Nadu. Chennai will receive only light showers over the weekend.

Since June 1, since the southwest monsoon season began, Tamil Nadu received 240.3mm of rain - 8% below normal. While some districts in northwestern Tamil Nadu saw large deficits, a few on the coast saw large excesses. For example, while Dindigul received only 74.8mm (minus 65% deficit) of rain this season, the coastal district of Tirunelveli got 90% more rain than normal. Erode has a 29% deficit while Theni has received 62% more rainfall than normal. For the week ending on Wednesday, the state saw a deficit of 47%.