Chennai: Weather forecasts predicting heavy rainfall for July became mostly inaccurate for the city as wind direction played spoilsport. Unlike previous forecasts, weathermen now confirmed the rainfall activity to the city for the next two days.
S.B. Thambi, Deputy director-general, Regional meteorological centre, said the city will receive good amount of rainfall due to wind discontinuity (trough) that exists from Maharashtra to South Tamil Nadu. “As it is expected to move towards the interior side, interior districts along with coastal areas will record nominal rainfall at least for the next 48 hours,” Thambi said.
Weather blogger, Pradeep John, attributed the reason for inaccurate prediction to the weak westerlies. “As westerlies were weak, storms which were formed inland did not make it to the coast. As they started to pick up in the city, rains are expected,” he added.
Downpour was witnessed mostly during late evenings and nights in the city over the past few days. Weather experts said brief spells could be noted during the day.
Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, S. Balachandran told DC, “As trough formation is evident, showers will drench in the daytime too. Weather in the city will be generally cloudy and pleasant,” he added. Though high levels of humidity was felt in July, statistics say otherwise. According to the data from the regional meteorological centre, it is known that the city has not crossed 40 degrees Celsius mark this month unlike last July which recorded 40 degrees for over eight days.
“Maximum temperature in the city was 37.6 degrees. Overall, it was a pleasant July unlike the previous one which was hovering around 39 degrees Celsius,” said Pradeep.
