The grey sky and incessant drizzle on Friday made it look like it was December in Chennai. The persistent balmy weather was due to the low pressure area over west central Bay of Bengal.
According to Meteorological department officials, the system is likely to last two more days. The maximum temperature in Nungambakkam was 26.9 degree Celsius and in Meenambakkam, 28 degree Celsius, much lower than the monthly average of 37 degree Celsius. Both the observatories registered rainfall of 3.5 mm and 2.6 mm respectively between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Officials said the system was an impact of southwest monsoon. However, it was rare that the city had persistent cloudy days for over ten days in June, they added.
Normally, temperature during the day drops below 30 degree Celsius in December or following heavy rains during the northeast monsoon, an official said.
The city has already received 4.6 cm of rainfall, exceeding the average of 4 cm in June. Meenambakkam has registered 6 cm since June 1.
Such a phenomenon had occurred in 1991 and 1996. Chennai received 65 cm of torrential rain in two days during mid-June in 1996, the official said.
