Chennai witnessed a deluge on Wednesday night, with intense rainfall delivering 70% of July’s average precipitation in just one hour. The Nungambakkam observatory recorded a substantial 7cm of rain, significantly surpassing the typical monthly average of 10cm for July.
As meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predict, the city and its suburbs should brace for further rainfall of light to moderate intensity over the next 48 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in localized areas.
IMD’s latest bulletin indicates that temperatures are likely to range between 36-37°C for maximums and 26-27°C for minimums, under partly cloudy skies. This forecast underscores the continuation of unsettled weather patterns, potentially impacting daily routines and outdoor activities across Chennai. The recent downpour also had a cooling effect on Thursday, with daytime temperatures dropping below normal levels due to extensive cloud cover. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded temperatures of 33.8°C and 35.1°C respectively, marking a deviation from seasonal averages.
Experts attribute the current bout of precipitation to a weakened southwest monsoon over the west coast, allowing sea breeze interactions with residual westerlies to trigger convective activity. This climatic phenomenon has resulted in above-average rainfall totals for both Nungambakkam (29cm) and Meenambakkam (31cm) from June 1 to July 3, exceeding typical seasonal accumulations by 21cm and 22cm respectively. Weather bloggers highlight the role of elevated daytime temperatures in enhancing convective activity, citing Wednesday’s readings of 38.3°C at Nungambakkam and 37.9°C at Meenambakkam as conducive factors. They anticipate sustained rainfall activity over the coming week, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and preparedness among residents.
June 2024 emerged as Chennai’s wettest month since 1996, registering significant rainfall accumulations that have set the stage for continued meteorological variability in the region. As the city navigates through this weather pattern, stakeholders are advised to stay informed and adapt to evolving climatic conditions affecting daily life and business operations alike.
