City residents are now getting accustomed to a weather trend of days that are hot and evenings with mild showers. The city and suburbs could see the pattern continue for a few more days.
On Friday, the weather stations in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 35.1 degrees Celsius and 35.3 degrees Celsius respectively. Both stations recorded close to one mm of rain till 8.30 a.m. on Friday.
Officials of the Meteorological Department said it was usual to experience evening showers during July.
A few places in and around Chennai will continue to have rain or thundershowers in the evening or night for two more days.
S. Stella, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre, said mild showers occurred during evenings due to heat in the day time, which is normal during southwest monsoon. A weak trough over the Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast was another reason for such mild showers.
Explaining the weather trend, Y.E.A. Raj, former deputy director general of meteorology, Chennai, said whenever the hot westerly winds weakened, the impact of heat also reduced and aided in getting mild showers. The weather models were indicating such rain till Sunday.
Last year, the day temperature peaked to 41 degrees Celsius on July 10.
Relief for residents
The maximum temperature has been nearly close to normal so far this season, providing much respite to residents, he said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Stella said there was a possibility for rain in a few places over the State and Puducherry for the next five days.
A weak trough over the Bay of Bengal off the State and Andhra Pradesh coast may also bring showers
