Thunderstorms hit parts of Chennai after daytime heat

Various parts of the city received a sharp spell of showers on Saturday, following a hot day.

Mercury level in the weather stations in both Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam touched 38.3 degree Celsius and 38.1 degree Celsius respectively on Saturday. The peaking temperature and prevailing westerlies triggered evening thunderstorms. Places like Tiruvallur, Chembarambakkam, Nungambakkam and Poonamallee received light to moderate rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast that maximum temperature may climb to 37-38 degree Celsius in Chennai on Sunday as well. It has warned that high maximum temperature, high humidity combined with above average night temperature may cause discomfort in isolated pockets of the State. There may be a respite as rainfall may occur in some areas of the city during evening hours of Sunday.

Automatic rain gauges in places such as Mamallapuram, Poonamallee, and YMCA Nandanam recorded 3 cm of rain between 8.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.