Chennai got a brief respite on Wednesday night with the city receiving some showers, but the weather in July has been more like it is in May. This perhaps was the hottest July in recent years.
On Thursday, overnight showers in some parts of the city had brought down the temperature to 36.1 degrees Celsius in Nungambakkam and 36.3 degrees Celsius in Meenambakkam, one degree above normal for the month. Some places like Meenambakkam, Poonamallee and Chembarambakkam received rainfall of 4 cm and 3 cm respectively.
Officials of the Meteorological Department said a combination of factors such as delay in the onset of sea breeze and lack of cloud cover had led to the dry weather over many parts of the State.
The day temperature was above 38 degrees Celsius eight days this month, including on five consecutive days.
July 6 was the hottest day when the maximum temperature touched 39.6 degree Celsius.
The department forecasts that though there may be rain or thunder showers till Saturday over some parts of the city, the day temperature is likely to hover around 38 degrees Celsius.
In Madurai, Tiruchi and Vellore, the temperature climbed to 40 degrees Celsius this month.
Describing July as the second summer, weather experts say the day temperature going above the normal temperature of 37 degree Celsius was not unusual.
Y.E.A.Raj, former Deputy Director General of Meteorology Department, said in 2015 Chennai witnessed the mercury level rising beyond the 40-degree-mark on eight days. Thunderstorms brought nearly 206 mm of rainfall despite the intense heat.
This year, the city has received only 125 mm of rain so far. Unlike the summer months, the onset of sea breeze alone would not help in controlling the day temperature. Many other factors such as cloud cover also ensure cooler days, he said.
