Several parts of Chennai, which were reeling under severe heat, experienced sharp showers on Monday evening.
Common for summer
The mercury level in Nungambakkam peaked to 41.5 degree Celsius on Monday. This led to thunderstorm activity that usually follows intense heat in the day. The radar images of the Regional Meteorological Centre indicated rainfall in areas north of Chennai, particularly Manali, Red Hills, Parrys Corner and Cholavaram. Some parts of southern suburbs such as Pallavaram, Chromepet and Tambaram too received sharp showers in the evening.
According to the officials, such thunderstorm activity would last for a short time and is common during summer. The weather observatory in Nungambakkam recorded 1 mm of rainfall till 6 p.m.
Day temperature to rise
However, the department has stated that the day temperature is likely to increase in the next two days, as hot westerlies will continue to prevail over Tamil Nadu.
S.B.Thampi, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai, said conditions were favourable for the setting in of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala on Tuesday.
But most parts of Tamil Nadu, which fall under the rain shadow region, may not have much rains till Wednesday. There may be an increase in cloud cover and thunderstorms may occur in some parts in the the evening, say the officials.
Chennai will experience a day temperature of 40 degree Celsius on Tuesday and a partly cloudy sky.
