Chennai, May 1:
A gruelling summer day gripped the city on Thursday as temperatures in Chennai touched the 40°C mark for the first time this season, leaving residents battling intense heat and humidity.
According to data from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the mercury soared to 104°F (40.2°C) at Meenambakkam. The heatwave extended across the State, with at least 17 weather stations recording temperatures above 100°F.
Vellore emerged as the hottest location, registering a scorching 108.32°F (42.4°C). Other districts also witnessed extreme temperatures, with Karur Paramathi and Erode crossing 106°F—nearly 4.7°C above normal levels. Tiruchy and Tiruttani recorded temperatures above 105°F.
Several other locations, including Nungambakkam, Thanjavur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Tirupur, Nagapattinam and Namakkal, also saw the mercury climb beyond the 100°F mark, indicating widespread heat stress across Tamil Nadu.
Weather officials have warned that conditions are likely to worsen in the coming days. The maximum temperature is expected to rise further to around 41°C on Friday (May 1), with elevated temperatures likely to persist until May 5.
The Regional Meteorological Centre added that the sustained heat will cause considerable discomfort, particularly in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions, as prolonged exposure to such high temperatures could lead to heat-related illnesses.