Kovai welcomes the much-needed rains

As the monsoon looms over the city, Kovaiites get talking about what they expect from this season’s showers
The wait is finally over. After a blistering summer that hit record numbers all over the state, the monsoon drizzle has brought in some relief. While many Coimbatoreans are complaining about the lethargy-inducing heat, others are disappointed by the weak showers.Nevertheless, Kovai’s all set to usher in the monsoons!
The rains have been quite a disappointment for city folk, with showers being rather scanty so far. However, overcast skies due to downpours in neighbouring Kerala have brought down the mercury levels significantly, giving them some cheer. “Though the rains have been weak in the city, temperatures have come down drastically the last couple of weeks. An overcast sky can be seen throughout the day and mild rains lash the city in the mornings and evenings. Though the rains had started off in June around the rest of the country, the city has been rather dry in comparison this year,” notes V Prajanand, a filmmaker from the city.
Sure, the Rain Gods are not being too kind to Kovai. But many say it’s no cause for complaint as it has indeed helped bring in some respite from the heat that showed no signs of going down. “This summer has been one of the worst I’ve been through,” says Shanti Vikram, housewife. “Add to that the incessant power cuts and it just sapped the energy out of all of us. So, the slight downpour we had two days ago did more than just alleviate the heat…it brought with it an overwhelming sense of relief.”
Others who have been used to seeing healthy monsoon rains in previous years, are ruing the delayed onset this time around. “The rains in have honestly been a disappointment. While the summer heat has been increasing each year, global warming seems to have led to the delay in the monsoon, and this is going to affect not just the farmers,” rues Sam, a city professional.
While the adults have their share of complaints, the young ones are thrilled. For them, the rains mean two things — one, it’s time to head back to school and two, it’s the time for some sports in the rain, much to the chagrin of parents! Susheela M, a school teacher and mother of two, says she dreads the moment when her kids are going to come back home caked in mud after a game of football.
“But it’s such a pleasure to see the excitement on the kids’ faces. We might have a million thinks to consider before enjoying the rains — from the precipitation level to the amount of rainfall, temperatures in Degrees and Celsius… But the young ones see nothing beyond the joy that the showers bring them!”
(With inputs from Vaibhav S)