Chennai, May 2:
Tamil Nadu continues to reel under intense summer heat, with Vellore recording a scorching 42.4°C—the highest in the State—while several districts reported temperatures crossing the 40°C mark.
Interior regions remained particularly hot, with Karur (41.5°C), Erode (41.4°C), Tiruchy (40.9°C), Tiruttani (40.6°C) and Madurai (40.5°C) witnessing above-normal temperatures. Chennai too experienced sweltering conditions at 40.2°C, with temperatures rising by 2–3°C in some areas over the past 24 hours.
Weather officials have warned that high humidity levels along coastal areas, including Chennai, Puducherry and Karaikal, will add to public discomfort. Despite the heatwave-like conditions, there is some relief in sight with forecasts indicating continued rainfall activity.
Light to moderate rain is expected across parts of Tamil Nadu over the next few days, with thunderstorms and lightning likely in isolated areas. Heavy rainfall is forecast in districts along the Western Ghats, including The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Theni, accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph.
Rainfall activity is expected to persist into next week, with scattered showers and thunderstorms predicted until May 5. Recent rains have already brought moderate showers in several districts, with Oothu in Tirunelveli recording the highest rainfall of 78 mm in the past 24 hours.