While parts of Tamil Nadu received moderate rains over the last few days, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature is likely to remain 2 to 4 degree Celsius above normal in many parts of the state.
Light to moderate showers is likely to occur in isolated parts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Villupuram, Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday.
As for Chennai, the sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy with light rain likely in some areas. The city will record maximum and minimum temperatures around 40 and 28 degree Celsius respectively during the course of the next two days. On June 29 (Saturday), the Chennai Airport recorded 40.1 degree Celsius, a departure of 3.3 degrees from normal. The maximum mean temperature for Chennai in the month of June is 37 degree Celsius.
Reports state that the westerly and northwesterly winds have led to the heatwave-like conditions in the city.
The Hindu writes that according to N Puviarasan, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai, a low-pressure area would form over the Bay of Bengal, and in another two days, it might move inland in a north, northwest direction. This could change to a southwesterly direction over the state and provide respite from the searing heat, he noted.
According to a bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre, light to moderate rain will continue in isolated places in Tamil Nadu until July 3. As of June 29, the office of Director General of Police in the district of Chennai recorded 1-centimetre rainfall.
The cumulative rainfall for the month of June in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry stands at 33.2 mm (millimetre) while the normal amount for the season is 52.7 mm. The total departure from normal is 37% this southwest monsoon season for the state. The highest rainfall of over 6 mm was recorded on June 5.
Weather Blogger Pradeep John, who goes by Tamil Nadu Weatherman on Facebook, writes that the state can expect rains in Ghat regions, where most of the dams are located, in July. “Even for Chennai and interiors, July looks good,” he wrote.