Rains bring relief from scorching heat in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI Rains in many parts of the state brought respite from the scorching sun for people across Tamil Nadu sizzling under the influence of ' agni nakshatram,' the peak summer period.

With cloudy skies over the city, residents, sweltering under the heat, woke up to a cool morning today.

The Regional Meteorological Centre here has predicted "mainly or generally cloudy sky with possibility of rain or thunderstorm," for the next 24 hours, commencing from 0830 hours today, for Chennai.

The mercury had soared to 42.2 degrees celsius in the city on Monday.

The dip in temperature also cheered parents of school-going children as they hope to see pleasant days ahead with schools closed for summer vacation set to reopen next week.

Various parts of the state also witnessed showers since yesterday, bringing in the much required relief from the heat.

Heatwave was experienced in many cities and towns, forcing people indoors in the afternoon when the temperature peaked. However, thunderstorms had been observed at many places in Tamil Nadu for almost 24 hours starting 8.30 am Wednesday, the weather office said.

Good spells of rain were recorded at Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathur, Salem, Cuddalore and Vellore, among others, it said, forecasting "thunderstorm/squall at isolated places over interior Tamil Nadu," for the next 24 hours, commencing 0830 hours today.

The three-week long summer season 'agni nakshatram or khatri,' regarded as the hottest spell during summer as per the Hindu almanac, commenced on May 4.