Heavy rains: The Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools in six districts – Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Vellore and Ranipet – on Monday as heavy overnight rains lashed Chennai and neighbouring districts. Further storms are expected in many parts of Tamil Nadu on Monday.
Chennai woke up to heavy rains and thunderstorms on Monday. Widespread heavy rainfall was recorded across Chennai last night. Meenambakkam area recorded 137.6 mm rainfall from 8.30 am on Sunday to 5.30 am on Monday. Many parts of Chennai reported waterlogging. International flight operations at the airport were affected as around 10 incoming flights, including from Doha and Dubai were diverted to Bengaluru, subsequently affecting departures as well.
The first spell of southwest monsoon rains brought respite after a two-week-long sweltering heatwave in Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that heavy rains will lash Tamil Nadu on Monday (June 19). In its Sunday bulletin, the IMD mentioned that isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
However, the weather office also forecasted that the heatwave will prevail in parts of Telangana for the next three days. Also, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam will witness sweltering heat for the next two days.
Heavy rains: Significant rainfall was recorded on Sunday in coastal Karnataka as Karwar district recorded 4 cm rainfall while Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry recorded 1 cm of rainfall apiece.
