IMD Forecasts Light Rain and Normal Temperatures for Chennai After Recent Spell of Heat

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued light rain and normal temperatures for Chennai and its suburbs through Saturday, following a shift in weather conditions on Monday. Cloudy skies and isolated rain spells on Monday provided relief to residents after a week of intense heat.

According to the IMD, the weather shift is being driven by the revival of the southwest monsoon along the west coast. Meteorologists explained that a strengthening low-level jet, known as the Somali Jet, has developed over the Arabian Sea. This narrow, fast-moving band of winds in the lower atmosphere is transporting moisture-laden air inland after a brief lull.

While the monsoon is concentrated along the west coast, some of the moisture-laden air manages to cross over to the leeward side of the Western Ghats. When this moisture combines with local heating and atmospheric disturbances, such as a trough or cyclonic circulation, it can trigger cloud formation and thunderstorms over Chennai and its neighbouring districts.

Weather models indicate that Chennai will see ongoing rain activity, occurring mainly during the evening and late-night hours, until Saturday. The IMD has specifically forecast light rainfall for the city and its suburbs on Tuesday.

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain close to normal for the remainder of the month. This marks a significant change from the previous week, when temperatures soared to highs of 39-40°C.

V R Durai, the director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre at the IMD, noted that cloudy weather is expected to continue on Tuesday, though it may not be as overcast as it was on Monday. He added that while daytime temperatures on Tuesday may rise by 1-2°C compared to Monday, the likelihood of them reaching the extreme highs of 39-40°C seen last week remains low.