Chennai, June 3 -- With the mercury level recording past the 100 Deg F mark for the couple of days after a brief lull, heavy rains lashed Chennai city and its suburbs on Tuesday night, providing the much needed relief to the people of this teeming megapolis.

Though there was no major system formation over the bay, Met office attributed the sudden rains to convective activity due to the searing heat.

As the people reeled under intense heat wave with high humidity level compounding their woes, the rains were a welcome sign, bringing smiles on their faces.

Those returning home from office, were affected to some extent as the sudden rains caught them unawares.

The rains were quite heavy in the city, while it was accompanied by gusty winds...