Cool weather and light showers are here to stay in the city and suburbs for one or two days.
A low pressure area persisting over the west central bay off the north Andhra and south Orissa coast will influence rains in the city, according to meteorologists.
An overcast sky throughout the day and intermittent drizzles brought down Thursday’s temperature significantly below the average monthly temperature. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degree Celsius, which is five degrees lower than the normal temperature for the day. However, the cloud cover did not translate into heavy showers with both the weather observatories recording only less than one cm of rainfall between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
The weather brought cheer to residents who had been experiencing relatively warm weather over the past few days. But, it has also raised concerns about damaged roads and stormwater drains in need of maintenance.
Meanwhile, meteorologists forecast that rain or thundershowers will continue in some areas in the evening or night till Saturday due to an active southwest monsoon.
Officials of the meteorological department said the rainfall over the city is normally spread over seven or eight days. Since June 1, Chennai has registered 501.8 mm of rainfall, which is nearly 117 mm more than the usual rains received during the season. Meenambakkam too has recorded excess rainfall.
