Chennai and its neighbouring districts will receive rain which may, at times, be heavy till Tuesday evening. There may be a gradual decrease in rain after that.
The city has received 126 cm of rain against its annual share of 140 cm. Meenambakkam has received 137 cm of rain against the yearly average of 138 cm.
The low pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and its neighbourhood has become well-marked and an associated cyclonic circulation along with it persists. The weather system, which has intensified, has led to rainfall over the north coastal areas, especially Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, since Sunday night. During the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Monday, Ennore registered the highest volume of 11 cm of rainfall. The weather stations in Ponneri, Nungambakkam and Madhavaram received 7 cm of rain.
On Monday, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded about 1 cm of rain till 7 p.m. Intermittent showers lashed several parts of north Chennai and suburbs throughout the day. The weather stations in Ennore registered nearly 3 cm and Madhavaram 2 cm till 7 p.m.
Officials of the Meteorological Department said Puducherry, Pudukottai and Villupuram in north coastal parts may also receive moderate rain on Tuesday. The other parts of the State would receive rainfall only in one or two places.
S. Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said the well-marked low pressure area is moving northwards and may lead to gradual decrease in rainfall. As the system is closer to Chennai and its neighbourhood, these areas may benefit more. However, the intensity of rainfall would reduce from Tuesday evening. “We are monitoring the system for further development,” he said.
However, the State’s rainfall for the season still remains deficit by 10 % as it has registered only 25 cm so far. But, officials note that the shortfall may be bridged in the coming weeks.
