Chennai receives 72.6mm rains, second time in a decade

Chennai: Looks like rain would not disappoint Chennaiites this month.  Intense September rain in the city due to convection activity is likely to compensate the deficient rainfall received last month. September 2016 also boasts of another record – as the city in 24 hours received the second highest  rainfall in a decade.

Having received 72.6 mm in a 24 hour period ending 5:30pm on Friday, the day’s rainfall almost came close to September 11, 2013, record when there was 88.2 mm rain.

Moderate rain was witnessed in outbound areas as Chennai airport received 25.8 mm on Friday. According to officials of regional meteorological centre, rain is expected to drench the city for the next two days.

Explaining the September weather scenario in Chennai, weather blogger, Pradeep John said, “Slow moving storms causing intense rain could be noticed during September. Instability in the atmosphere makes thunderstorm and lightning activity more frequent.”

There would be a respite to the city residents as the average September temperature is lesser than August. The average  temperature in September is 33.9 degrees while August is 34.5 degrees.

Another interesting phenomenon is the month, which has less rainy days than August – receives equal (or sometimes more) rains. “The average rainy days for August and September are noted at nine and seven. However, when it comes to rainfall, both of them record average of 139.2mm and 139.3mm. But this year, the city has already received double the rainfall in September than last month,” he said.

With northeast monsoon just a month away, interior districts of Tamil Nadu will also enjoy good rain this month, according to forecasts. Nungambakkam recorded the maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees, while Meenambakkam 35.6 degrees.