Chennai: Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40kmph has been forecast for Chennai and neighbouring districts on Sunday. While 19 districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet, may receive moderate rain, eight delta and southern districts are likely to receive heavy rain at isolated places, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. A meteorologist attributed upcoming rain spells to the return of easterly waves, westward-moving weather disturbances embedded in the easterly winds that prevail during the northeast monsoon. They carry moisture from the Bay of Bengal towards the Tamil Nadu coast. As moist winds converge, air rises, cools, and condenses, forming rain-bearing clouds. Successive waves can bring spells of widespread rain.“Chennai and neighbouring districts may receive isolated rain spells for the next few days. Much of the heavy rainfall may be restricted to a few delta and southern districts. There is a possibility for systems to form over the Bay during the second half of Nov,” an IMD official said.On Saturday, Chennai and its suburbs may receive light rain, with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Partly cloudy skies may keep temperatures between 24°C-25°C and 30°C-31°C.On Friday, many parts of the city received sudden, sharp spells after a sunny day. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 2.6mm and 1.9mm respectively. Ennore Port received 3mm, ACS Medical College 9.5mm, Anna University 8.5mm and Puzhal 7.5mm.“Sunny days and then a sudden spell of rain out of nowhere; this will be the pattern for the next two days,” said blogger Pradeep John in an online update.
