Chennai, after experiencing heavy rainfall for consecutive nights, continues to grapple with inundated streets and heightened weather dynamics. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the ongoing downpour to the convergence of westerlies and seabreeze patterns nearer to the city, a phenomenon contributing to sustained precipitation.
Reports indicate that Tuesday night’s torrential rain inundated several city areas and suburbs, causing significant waterlogging in key localities such as T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Choolaimedu, and Anna Nagar. The Choolaimedu subway witnessed severe inundation, posing challenges for commuters and transport operations.
According to IMD observations up to 8:30 am Wednesday, Thiruvottiyur recorded 9 cm of rainfall, while Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observatories registered 7 cm and 4 cm respectively. Daytime temperatures saw a drop, with Nungambakkam recording 35.5°C and Meenambakkam 35.1°C, marking deviations of 1.5°C and 2.1°C below normal expectations. Evening showers further added to the rainfall tally, with Meenambakkam recording 14.2 mm by 5:30 pm.
Looking forward, IMD forecasts predict light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over select areas during evening and night hours for the next 48 hours. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 36-37°C, while minimum temperatures are likely to settle around 25-26°C. These projections come amidst a backdrop where Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam have already recorded 20 cm and 24 cm of rainfall respectively since June 1, surpassing the average June rainfall of 6 cm.
The current weather scenario underscores the need for Chennai residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and prepared for continued rain impacts. Authorities are advised to monitor IMD updates closely and enact necessary measures to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the ongoing weather patterns. As Chennai navigates through these weather challenges, effective management and proactive responses will be crucial in ensuring minimal impact on daily activities and public safety.
