Chennai and surrounding areas to experience cloudy weather

Chennai experienced a cloudy Saturday due to the interaction of a low-level circulation over the central Bay of Bengal and a north–south trough extending along coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas. Temperatures dropped across the northern districts due to the clouding that began early in the morning.

The Nungambakkam station recorded a welcome 32.3 degrees Celsius against a normal of 38.2 degrees Celsius. Meenambakkam registered 32.4 degrees Celsius against the normal of 39.1 degrees Celsius.

According to V.R. Durai, Director, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, this enhanced low-level wind convergence near the north Tamil Nadu coast altered the prevailing wind flow from dry northwesterlies to moist northeasterly/onshore winds from the Bay of Bengal.

“An important feature observed today was the early strengthening of the sea-breeze circulation, with strong onshore winds of around 25–30 km/hr developing from 8 a.m. onwards. These moist marine winds transported significant moisture inland over Chennai and adjoining regions. The combined effect of enhanced moisture incursion, strong low-level convergence, and persistent onshore flow supported the formation of widespread low and mid-level clouds over Chennai and nearby areas,” he explained. 

Residents of Nochikuppam reported that Marina Beach saw a small sandstorm in the morning. “The wind just whipped up the sands. The police told morning walkers to get out of the beach. Two boats that were returning after a night at sea were turned over, but nobody was hurt,” said K. Bharathi, a resident.

Sunday too is expected to be a cloudy day for Chennai and the surrounding areas. On Sunday, heavy rain is likely at isolated places with thunderstorm and lightning with gusty winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph at one or two places over Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchii, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Theni and Madurai districts. Light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area.