With the trough of low pressure, which brought rains since Wednesday night, persisting, the Meteorological department has forecast more rains over the weekend in the city and suburbs.
The trough extends from Comorin area to southwest bay off Tamil Nadu coast across the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, its officials said on Friday.
During the 24 hour ending 8.30 a.m. on Friday many localities in and around the city received heavy rainfall, much of it close to Thursday midnight. The highest rainfall during the period was 5 cm in Kelambakkam. The rain gauges in Anna University, Chengalpattu, Mahabalipuram and Sriperumbudur recorded 4 cm each.
The rainfall recorded in Nungambakkam, Meenambakkam, DGP office on Kamarajar Salai, Poondi and Thamaraipakkam was 3 cm each. Two cm of rainfall was recorded at the facilities in Poonamallee and Red Hills. Cholavaram registered the least of 1 cm.
Following the heavy rain, many schools declared a holiday on Friday. But there was no rainfall in the 12-hour period ending 8.30 p.m. on Friday. The overnight showers were, however, enough to bring down the day temperature. In Nungambakkam, it was 29.7 degree Celsius, a little less than the average.
Officials of the Meteorological department said as monsoon progresses the maximum rainfall during a day occurs between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Friday was one such day and the residents could look forward to more rain till Sunday night.
Major wet spell ahead
The rainfall is expected to decrease next week. Y.E.A.Raj, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai, said that a major wet spell is expected to begin around November 24 or 25.
Since October 1, Chennai has received 52.4 cm that is 5 cm deficit for the season so far.
Meenambakkam recorded 53.1 cm, which is nearly 3 cm more than the average, he said.
