Chennai: Tamil Nadu was eagerly awaiting rain on Wednesday, after passing a long dry spell. Some light rain on Tuesday brought great relief, but that was only in the southern districts.

On Wednesday the state capital remained under clouds and was hoping for showers at least by night. Weather experts at Skymet, however, said the showers are not likely to last beyond a day.

Temperature remained as high as 33 degrees during the day.

Kodaikanal, the hill station, and Karaikal recorded 3mm rains on Tuesday, they said. Showers in Cuddalore and adjoining regions also remained at the same level.

According to Skymet, these rains could be thanks to the weather system prevailing on either side of the coast. “A cyclonic circulation has been prevailing over Southwest Bay of Bengal, off Sri Lanka coast, while a trough is extending along Kerala and Karnataka coast. Both the systems had made the conditions favourable for some weather activity” Skymet said.

“Further, both the system would sustain their strength and thus, rain would continue in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu for the next 24 to 48 hours. But the intensity of rains would remain light.

“With the oscillation of the system from east to west direction, Chennai too stands a chance to witness some rains but that would be very light in nature. If this happens, it would break the month-long dry spell over the city.”

Meanwhile, rage was mounting in the Delta region as farmers feared total loss of samba crops due to water shortage. Neighbouring Karnataka, a riparian state, remained firm that it will not provide water from the Cauvery river though there is a Supreme Court order.

Thanjavur and Tiruvarur are two districts in particular peril if water is not available for irrigation. Farmers are furious with state government that has not kept promises. Farmers’ leaders say that around 70 per cent of the fields are in urgent need of water.

Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami had promised to lead a delegation of ministers to Bengaluru and meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, but his plea for an appointment has been ignored.