As the sun beats down relentlessly, Chennai finds itself engulfed in a wave of scorching heat, signaling the onset of the summer season even before the arrival of Kathiri Veyyil. With temperatures expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, residents are bracing themselves for heavy heat and humid conditions.
Despite the mercury levels hovering close to normal, the city’s weather has become hot and sweaty, courtesy of the seabreeze that brings moisture and humidity inland. While this natural phenomenon helps to keep temperatures in check, it also adds to the discomfort experienced by residents, making outdoor activities challenging.
According to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are projected to reach nearly 37°C-38°C in the city and its suburbs. However, private forecasters and bloggers suggest that temperatures may remain close to normal, around 35°C, for at least the next week.
Recent observations indicate that Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded temperatures slightly above normal, with humidity levels nearing 70% in the early hours of the morning. The onset of the day witnessed temperatures soaring above 40°C in several IMD stations, with Erode recording the highest at a scorching 43°C.
Despite the early onset of seabreeze, which typically enters the land by 10 am and helps mitigate peak temperatures, residents continue to grapple with sweaty conditions due to the moisture it brings along.
Looking ahead, IMD forecasts maximum temperatures to remain in the range of 37°C-38°C for the next 48 hours, with minimum temperatures expected to hover around 28°C. Humidity levels are anticipated to range from 50% to 85% over coastal areas for the next five days, further adding to the discomfort experienced by residents.
As Chennai braces itself for the intensifying heatwave, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and seeking shelter in well-ventilated spaces.