Chennai: Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall overnight, affecting various districts, including Chennai prompting the state government to declare a holiday for schools on Monday.
The downpour had an impact on international flight operations at the airport, leading to the diversion of approximately 10 incoming flights from destinations such as Doha and Dubai to Bengaluru. Consequently, departures were also affected.
These showers provided much-needed relief to the residents who had been enduring scorching heat in the city and nearby areas over the past few days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported widespread heavy rainfall in Chennai.
Meenambakkam recorded 137.6 mm of rainfall from 8:30 am on Sunday to 5:30 am on Monday. Automatic rain gauges in Taramani and Nandanam measured nearly 12 cm of rainfall, while Chembarambakkam received 11 cm.
According to the IMD, there will be light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in several regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Monday.
The meteorological department has predicted heavy rainfall in 13 districts, including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Thiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Trichy, Ariyalur, and Perambalur, as well as in the Puducherry and Karaikal areas.
The weather office anticipates further spells of rain for Chennai and its suburbs on Monday.