Chennai: A trough, or elongated zone of relatively low pressure, extending across Kerala and Tamil Nadu may bring some relief from the hot and humid conditions that prevailed over the city in recent days. Weathermen said Chennai may see cloudy mornings and isolated light rain spells in the evening or night for at least the next week, similar to the weather on Monday.The city saw brief drizzle in some areas on Monday morning, followed by rain in a few places in the evening, accompanied by low-intensity thunder. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 34.8°C and 35.2°C, around 0.5° and 1° above normal. Meteorologists said daytime temperatures could gradually fall as cloud cover increases.V R Durai, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, IMD, said the depression over the Bengal, which is likely to intensify further and move towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, may not directly bring rain to Tamil Nadu.“However, a trough extending from the circulation associated with the system can increase cloud cover over Chennai. We can expect cloudy weather till Sept 26, when the system is likely to move over land. There is also a possibility of light rain, particularly over north coastal Tamil Nadu,” he said. Durai said daytime temperatures had risen more than 2° above normal last week because weak southwest monsoon conditions over Kerala resulted in fewer clouds and greater heating.On Tuesday, the city and suburbs may receive light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas during the evening/night. The minimum temperature may be 25°C-26°C and the maximum temperature may remain at 36°C-37°C.The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rain at isolated places in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengelpet and Ranipet on Sept 23 and 24.
