Chennai, Apr 20:
Tamil Nadu is currently reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 100°F (37.8°C) in at least 14 locations across the state, signaling a harsh peak to the summer season. Several interior and urban regions have recorded unusually high temperatures, raising concerns among residents and weather observers alike.
Among the worst-affected areas, Vellore emerged as the hottest location, recording a scorching 105.8°F. Close behind were Paramathi Velur at 104.9°F and Erode at 104.72°F. Other major hotspots included Madurai Airport (104°F), Tiruchirappalli (103.1°F), and Coimbatore and Madurai (both at 102.56°F).
The heatwave has also impacted districts such as Namakkal (102.2°F), Tiruppur (101.84°F), Palayamkottai (101.66°F), Tirupattur (101.48°F), Tiruttani (100.58°F), and Salem (100.4°F). Even the state capital Chennai recorded a high of 100.22°F at the airport, underscoring the widespread intensity of the heat.
Meteorological factors indicate that a trough extending from North Interior Karnataka to the Gulf of Mannar is influencing the current weather pattern. This system is expected to trigger light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in isolated pockets, particularly over districts along the Western Ghats, delta regions, and southern coastal Tamil Nadu until April 25.
Despite these localized weather disturbances, most parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to remain dry, with prevailing hot and humid conditions offering little respite. In Chennai and its surrounding areas, the sky is expected to stay partly cloudy, but the cloud cover is unlikely to significantly ease the oppressive heat.
Weather experts have cautioned that maximum temperatures in several interior districts may continue to remain above normal levels over the coming days. With the heatwave expected to persist until at least April 25, authorities and residents are bracing for continued extreme summer conditions across the state.