The first rainy spell of the year arrived in the city and the suburbs on Thursday thanks to a cool air and overcast skies. However, this might just be the beginning, since on January 7, the India Meteorological Department predicts significant rainfall in seven districts, including the city and the nearby districts of Chengalpet, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. For the next two days, there's a chance of light to moderate rainfall in both the city and the suburbs.
Many areas of Chennai and its outskirts saw sporadic light rain on Thursday night. The observatories in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 17.1 mm and 3.8 mm of rainfall, respectively, until 7.30 p.m. Rainfall was measured by the rain gauge at ACS Medical College (13.5 mm), Goodwill School in Villivakkam (13.5 mm), Chembarambakkam (6.5 mm), and YMCA Nandanam (6 mm). The two observatories recorded a windy 30.2 degrees Celsius for the daytime temperature.
Meteorologists explained that the rain activity resulted from opposing winds converging because of a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea. Some parts of the city and the suburbs may see mild to moderate rainfall during the course of the next 48 hours. Early in the morning is also likely to bring mist or haze. It is expected to reach a maximum temperature of 30 to 31 degrees Celsius and a low temperature of 22 to 23 degrees Celsius. A meteorologist stated, "There is a chance of rain in the next three to four days." In January, the city typically receives 25.9 mm of rain.
According to experts, the area of wind convergence may move from Tamil Nadu's interior to its coastal regions to the east. While there may be isolated areas of rain on January 7 in the districts of Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Ranipet, and Tiruvallur, the IMD has predicted isolated areas of heavy rain on January 8 over Tiruvallur.
