Chennai is in the grip of an intense heatwave, with soaring temperatures and dry winds making life uncomfortable for residents. The mercury levels climbed to 35.3°C at Nungambakkam and 37.1°C at Meenambakkam, surpassing normal levels by 1.5 and 2.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Vellore recorded the state’s highest temperature of a blistering 40.9°C. Meteorologists predict the heat spell will persist for another three days, with Chennai expected to hit 38°C on Saturday, March 29.
Scorching Days Ahead for Chennai
The sweltering heat isn’t abating anytime soon. Weather officials have warned that temperatures will stay elevated across Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai and surrounding areas.
- Chennai’s daytime temperatures could rise to 38°C on Saturday.
- Night temperatures might settle between 26-27°C.
- Some parts of the state may experience temperatures soaring 2-3°C above normal.
With dry air dominating the region, heat stress is becoming a concern. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned about uncomfortable weather conditions persisting in some parts of Tamil Nadu due to the combination of high temperatures and humidity.
Pre-Monsoon Showers to Offer Respite in April
Relief, however, is on the horizon. According to N Senthamarai Kannan, Director of the Regional Weather Forecasting Center, pre-monsoon showers expected in April might help bring temperatures down.
“The temperature departure was on the ‘plus’ side in most stations in Tamil Nadu on Friday,” he noted, adding that dry conditions are responsible for the current heat spell.
The first signs of rainfall will likely be seen in southern Tamil Nadu by next week. While these showers might not be widespread, they are expected to bring some temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave.
Why is Chennai So Hot Right Now?
Meteorologists point to multiple factors driving the rising temperatures. The southerly winds and lack of significant seabreeze activity have contributed to the sharp temperature increase.
On Friday, Meenambakkam recorded the third highest temperature in Tamil Nadu at 38.7°C, which was 3.8 degrees above normal. Nungambakkam wasn’t far behind, hitting 36.5°C, about 2.7 degrees above normal.
Mahesh Palawat, Chief Meteorologist at Skymet Weather, explained that the absence of seabreeze circulation in the city has led to higher temperatures. Usually, seabreeze helps moderate daytime heat, but with its limited influence, the city remains sweltering.
Potential Rainfall Due to Developing Low-Pressure System
There is some hope for rainfall in the coming weeks. Weather models indicate the formation of a low-pressure area near the Andaman Sea. If the system intensifies and moves westward, it could bring showers to Chennai and surrounding areas.
This development will be closely monitored, as even short spells of rain can provide much-needed relief from the scorching conditions. Until then, Chennai residents will have to brace for more hot days ahead.
