It’s not winter yet. But Chennaites have been enjoying an unexpected windy spell, thanks to a trough of low pressure prevailing near south Sri Lankan area.
On Tuesday, though the day temperature was nearly 30 degree Celsius, two degrees above normal, strong surface winds alleviated the impact of heat on the city and the suburbs. The trough had also increased the minimum temperature in the city by two degrees above average of 22 degree Celsius and took away much of the chill in the air.
In the city, winds blew at a speed of 25 km per hour while areas along the coastline saw winds as fast as 45-55 kmph. The trough however did not bring any rainfall to the city or northern parts of the State.
With the winds expected to remain strong along Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast on Wednesday too, the Meteorological department has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea.
Some fishermen said that they stayed away from the sea on Tuesday too as they had been were warned against it. But, the rough sea did not deter visitors to the beaches. Officials of the meteorological department said that the winds may be strong when the monsoon was not active. Normally, the winds pick up speed during the winter months of January and February.
The officials said that weather models indicate that there may be isolated rainfall in south coastal Tamil Nadu, including districts such as Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin. It is expected to last for two or three days.
Chances are slim for rainfall over Chennai and its suburbs for at least three or four days. Usually, the minimum temperature dips around mid-December when cold, dry air from north starts blowing.
Chennai has received 527 mm of rainfall for the season since October 1. This is deficit by 30 per cent compared to the normal of 749mm. An official said “We expect that the shortfall in rains will reduce to at least 20 per cent by year-end in the city.”
