Chennai: The city and neighbouring districts may receive light to moderate rain from Sept 1 to 3. However, rainfall distribution through the rest of the month may vary, with Chennai and parts of Tiruvallur likely to receive relatively less rain, while Kancheepuram and Chengelpet may receive a larger share.In its Sept outlook released on Monday, the IMD forecast below-normal rainfall over Chennai and parts of neighbouring Tiruvallur, which houses the city’s drinking-water reservoirs. Most of Tamil Nadu is likely to receive below-normal rainfall and experience above-normal temperatures.“South peninsular India, which has received less rainfall so far, will continue to receive less rainfall. Isolated areas of southeast peninsular India are among some areas in the country likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of meteorology, IMD.The city receives an average 146.2mm of rainfall in Sept, with average maximum and minimum temperatures of 34.3°C and 25.8°C.From June 1 to Aug 31, Chennai logged 311mm of rain, 2% above normal. Chengelpet received 109.7mm, 60% below normal; Kancheepuram 208mm, 34% below normal; and Tiruvallur 231.2mm, 27% below normal.On Tuesday, the city and suburbs may receive light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning during the evening/night hours. Maximum temperatures may be 37°C-38°C and minimum temperatures 27°C-28°C.The rainfall expected between Sept 1 and 3 is due to favourable wind conditions associated with a low-pressure system over Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, leading to wind convergence and convective rainfall.“The rainfall in the city and suburbs will be like the intense spells we saw a week ago,” an IMD official said.
