August 2016 driest in over three decades
The city would have received 44 mm this month, but when statistics are analysed, August-2016 is labelled as the driest in the past 32 years.
Chennai: Incessant rain in the last two days has not helped the city even come close to its average August record. The city would have received 44 mm this month, but when statistics are analysed, August-2016 is labelled as the driest in the past 32 years.
Unlike the city, the southern and western pockets of the state received notable rainfall. If the city had not received its last leg of rainfall on Tuesday, August would be the driest in more than five decades, opine weather experts.
From the data obtained from India meteorological centre, the lowest rainfall was recorded in August 1984 at 39.2 mm, while the all-time-highest record was witnessed in 2011 with 368.9 mm. Last year received 115.6 mm and 2014 recorded 210 .9 mm.
“As low pressure was observed in Northern Bay, rain was concentrated in central and East India, leaving Chennai subdued. However, good rain is predicted from September first week,” said Pradeep John, blogger at The Tamil Nadu Weatherman.
“We received very less rainfall when compared to the city’s August average, which is recorded at 140 mm,” added Pradeep. August is generally a pleasant month for Chennai, with regular showers that would cause in a dip in temperature.
However, improved chances are forecast as low pressure is expected at North Andhra coast on September 8. Another such activity at Kanniyakumari will bring showers to Southern districts, said S. Bhaskaran, a Kea weather blogger. The question now is whether the city would at least get its average September record, which is 150 mm.