The religious hub of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli received 32 mm of unusual spot rain yesterday, adding to the excess rainfall figures of the state for the month of May. Tiruchirappalli has received 130 mm of rain so far, which is the highest the city has recorded in May in a decade.
Tiruchirappalli had recorded heavy rain earlier this month when a low pressure system developed in the Comrin region, near Sri Lanka. Approximately 50 mm of rain occurred on the 8th of May and 34 mm on the 7th of May
Trichy not only recorded the heaviest rain but also witnessed the hottest day (Tuesday) in the month so far, as the maximum rose to 40.6⁰C. Day temperatures in the city have been sustaining between 39⁰C to 40⁰C for the last one week, and weathermen tell us these high temperatures triggered rain activity yesterday.
According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, rain in Tamil Nadu could continue for another two to three days, however, the pre-monsoon rain could be isolated. Rain may reduce in Tiruchirappalli tomorrow. Two weather systems, a trough and wind discontinuity line near Kerala, are responsible for widespread rain in peninsular India.
The normal rainfall figure for Tiruchirappalli for the month of May is just 61 mm. According to previous records, rain in the city, barring the year 2012 has always been in double digit. In 2013, Tiruchirappalli received 114 mm of rain, whereas in 2013 it received only 49 mm of rain. The all-time high record is however, 312 mm which occurred in the year 1886.
According to Hindu mythology, Tiruchirappalli, also known as ‘Trichy’, derives its name from the three-headed demon Trishira, who meditated to please the Hindu god Shiva.
Photo by Rohit Markande.
