Date:09/06/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/06/09/stories/2003060904380500.htm

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Widespread rain in delta

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI JUNE 8. The much-awaited southwest monsoon touched parts of the State yesterday night with Krishnagiri, Perambalur and Kumbakonam receiving heavy rain.

A significant aspect was that the rainfall was fairly widespread in the Cauvery delta, as farmers were eagerly waiting for the nature to come to their rescue at a time when the region was in the midst of one of the worst spells of drought. The farmers, say the spell would help in preparing land for tilling.

Krishnagiri recorded 6 cm, Perambalur, Nagapattinam and Kumbakonam - 5 cm each and Dharmapuri and Cuddalore - 4 cm each, according to Meteorological department readings in the 24-hour-period which ended at 8-30 a.m. today.

Thiruvarur, Hosur, Vaniyambadi and Karaikal registered 3 cm each.

The Meteorological department's Deputy Director General, S.K. Subramanian, said the monsoon was expected advance to other parts of Tamil Nadu in the next 24 hours.

Only when the rain occurs in the northern belt, will there be an appreciable decline in the temperature, weather watchers say.