The inclement weather, quite unusual during the ‘Agni Nakshatram’ period, is because of upper air circulation in the Bay of Bengal, say experts at the Agro Climatic Research Centre at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. And it is likely to last for a few more days.
S. Pannerselvam, Professor and Head of the Centre, said that the rain was the result of the upper air circulation in the sea pushing the water bearing clouds to the high-temperature, low-pressure area. This was different from the summer showers and not seasonal.
This kind of rain will be for a short period and was not widespread.
This weather will continue for the next three or four days after which there were chances of Coimbatore returning to the ‘Agni Nakshatram’ period with day temperature touching 38 degree C and the night temperature remaining at 24 degree C. At present the day temperature is around 28 degree C and the night temperature 23 degree C.
The upper air circulation-induced shower has resulted in Coimbatore recording 136mm rain thus far during the summer season (March, April and May) as against the average 130mm. With another two weeks left for the end of May, there will be the summer showers that may take this year’s summer rain well past the average.
Tamil Nadu Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor K. Ramasamy says that farmers could make use of the opportunity to sow minor millets or grams as the market this year is likely to go be good. He also wants farmers to be cautious against pests as the sudden rain may also induce pest growth.
