Much to the delight of residents, Chennai and its suburbs experienced sharp showers on Monday afternoon.
The rainfall in Nungambakkam during the 12 hours ending 8.30 p.m. was 23 mm, while it was 16.4 mm in Meenambakkam.
According to the Regional Meteorological Department, Monday's rain was the highest in the last 10 days — on June 25, Nungambakkam recorded 30 mm.
However, the temperature did not drop much. The maximum temperature in Nungambakkam on Monday was 36.3 degree Celsius, while the minimum was 24 degree Celsius. Humidity was 95 per cent.
In Meenambakkam, the maximum temperature was 37.2 degree Celsius and minimum 25.6 degree Celsius.
Mild drizzle in suburbs
While most parts of the city received sharp showers, the suburbs only had a mild drizzle.
Residents of north Chennai said the rain lasted almost an hour. According to A.T.B. Bose of the North Madras People's Welfare Federation, areas such as R.K. Nagar and Korukkupet need more attention with regard to roads. “Several of the main roads withstand the rains, but a lot of difficulty is faced in some pockets,” he said.
Parts of the southern suburbs have to put up with pot-holed stretches, according to Rama Rao, secretary, Lakshmi Nagar Residents' Welfare Association, Nanganallur. “Officials in our municipality tell us that for the projects, with funding under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the roads have been dug up. They cannot be relaid until the project is over,” he said.
Complaining that several interior roads were damaged, Mr. Rama Rao said: “It will be helpful if the Alandur Municipality takes up some patchwork before the rains due later this year.”
The central parts of the city, too, received sharp showers lasting about half an hour.
Officials of the Regional Meteorological Department said the sky condition may generally be cloudy on Tuesday.
Rain or thundershowers may occur in some areas. The maximum temperature would be around 36 degree Celsius, officials said.