Many parts of the State may enjoy widespread rainfall throughout the week as thunderstorms may continue during evening or night hours.
Several factors have created favourable conditions and contributed to the increase in thunderstorm activity over the State, officials of the Meteorological department note.
During the past 24 hours that ended on Wednesday morning, Thanjavur recorded the maximum rainfall of 11 cm in the State. Other districts such as Vellore, Salem, Karur, Tiruvannamalai and Sivaganga districts received good rains. However, in Chennai, rains were patchy in most parts of the city as thunderstorms moved away. Several suburbs of Chennai, including Avadi (4 cm) and Red Hills (3 cm), received sharp showers.
Scorching days may end on a pleasant note during the rest of the week as the department predicts an increase in rainfall activity. Mild weather prevailed on Wednesday following the overnight showers and the day temperature stayed close to normal of 34.1 degree Celsius in the city.
S.Balachandran, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said besides the increase in presence of westerly winds, two weather systems had triggered thunderstorm activity across the State.
A trough running from Telangana to Comorin area across Rayalaseema and interior Tamil Nadu and another upper air cyclonic circulation over the Lakshadweep area had helped sustain these storms over many parts of Tamil Nadu, he said. “We expect moderate rainfall to occur in many places of the State. There may be a further increase in rainfall from August 14 and 15,” Mr. Balachandran said.
The increase in thunderstorms has boosted the State’s rainfall this season. Tamil Nadu has so far recorded 15 cm against the average of 14 cm for the season since June 1. The Meteorological Department forecast that Chennai may have a cloudy sky and rains or thundershowers may occur till Saturday.
