The local meteorological office recorded a total of 41.7 mm rain in the city today. Mercury fell to 27.6 degrees Celsius from 32.6 degrees recorded yesterday six degrees below normal.

Despite early onset of monsoon this season, the first three weeks of July saw only a few light, intermittent showers. However, contrary to popular belief, rainfall to date this season has been in excess, even though it is significantly less for the corresponding period last year.

Weather office records show that so far this season the city has received a total 421.4 mm rain over 110 mm in excess. The rainfall recorded for this period last year was 615 mm.

The sharp showers began early this morning and carried on till afternoon. Showers were experienced in some parts of the city in the evening also.

Traffic was disrupted at several places owing to flooded roads and a large number of vehicles stalled on the roadsides. A number of motorists were seen pushing their vehicles or dragging their two-wheelers. Mechanics, as usual, had a hey-day while getting stalled vehicles restarted.

Southern sectors were particularly hard hit. Heavy water also accumulated around the Sectors 21-22-34-35 roundabout, the Bus Stand roundabout and the Housing Board roundabout.