Chennai: More rain is expected in the western and southern regions of the state during the next 24 hours. This is likely to prolong to become a continuous wet spell as there has been rain for the past one week in the state. According to the weather department’s statistics, till Saturday, the state recorded around 197 mm of rainfall (average), well in excess of the 96 mm that is normally expected for the period of March-May.
“The upper air cyclonic circulation that has bringing these rains continues to hover above Lakshadweep and the neighboring Kerala coast. We expect the present rains to continue for the next two days,” said a weather official. Kamatchipuram, in Dindigul district, received 22 cms of rainfall, recorded in a 24 period, while Mulanur, in Tirupur, received 17 cm of rain. Areas surrounding Coimbatore, including Valparai and Mettupalayam, also received heavy showers.
The forecast for Chennai for Sunday is that the skies will remain generally cloudy with one or two spells of rain predicted for some areas. The temperatures, as observed in the last few days, will be relatively moderate with maximum and minimum temperatures forecast at 33 and 27 degree Celsius respectively.
The continuous rainfall has left hundreds of tourists visiting popular hill stations for their annual summer vacation a disappointed lot. Ramesh Vinayakam, 40, visiting Ooty along with his family, described how is travel plans were ruined. “I was to spend two days in Ooty, but the rains forced us to remain indoors. The kids, aged 5 and 7, are very sad that they could not explore the various sights. Now, they are set to return to their schools very disappointed,” he said.
