Chennai, Apr 15:
Tamil Nadu is reeling under intense summer heat, with temperatures crossing 100°F in at least a dozen locations, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai. The soaring temperatures signal the onset of strong heatwave conditions across several parts of the state.
Interior districts have been the worst affected, with Vellore, Dharmapuri, Erode and Salem recording extremely high temperatures.
Gopichettipalayam in Karur district emerged as the hottest location at 105.44°F, followed by Vellore at 104.36°F. Dharmapuri and Erode recorded around 103.1°F, while Salem and Madurai hovered near 102°F. Other regions including Namakkal, Tirupattur, Palani and Tiruchirappalli also recorded temperatures close to or above the 100°F mark.
Meteorologists attribute the prevailing conditions to a trough extending from southern Assam to south Tamil Nadu, passing through several states including Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and interior Karnataka. This weather system is influencing atmospheric instability and could bring some temporary relief in select regions.
Light rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is likely over districts along the Western Ghats, parts of the delta region, and Ramanathapuram. There is also a possibility of rain and thunderstorms in Chennai, offering brief respite from the sweltering heat.
However, the overall outlook remains concerning. Maximum temperatures are expected to rise further by 2–3°C until April 18, with heatwave conditions likely to persist in interior districts. Coastal areas, meanwhile, are expected to experience high humidity levels, leading to uncomfortable weather despite relatively lower temperatures.