CHENNAI: At 139.5 mm, June recorded the highest rainfall in the past two decades, thanks to the low pressure in the North Andhra Coast. This is not all as the Nilgiris received a whopping 500 mm of rainfall on Wednesday due to strong westerlies. The unseasonable downpour, which braced the city since Tuesday evening, has broken the June 2010 record of 136.7mm. Labelled as a dry month in the city, June that received double the average (75mm) rain has relieved Chennaiites from the sultry weather.
Attributing the rainfall activity to the influence of southwest monsoon, S.B. Thambi, Deputy director-general, Regional meteorological center, said that the rains would considerably decrease after Thursday.Low-pressure area had formed at North Andhra Coast associated with upper air circulation, which converged along Chennai, said Weather blogger, Pradeep John, reasoning the rain. “Chennai recorded 697mm of rain for June in 1996 due to cyclonic activity. This is the second highest rainfall in more than two decades,” said Pradeep. He also said rain would increase after July 4.
Porthmund dam in The Nilgiris recorded 500 mm on Wednesday, whereas Avalanchi received 178 mm. Wettest region of the State, Chinna Kalar received 125 mm. After a long period, the city’s temperature dipped below 32 degrees Celsius. Nungambakkam recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius whereas Meenambakkam registered 30.3 degree Celsius.
