Chennai, July 15:
A severe heatwave swept across interior Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with Madurai Airport recording a scorching 42.5°C — the highest maximum temperature logged anywhere in India for the day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The intense heat aligns with forecasts warning of extreme conditions over parts of interior Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said hot and humid weather prevailed across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with temperatures rising sharply across the State.
More than 14 locations recorded temperatures above 38.8°C. Madurai city followed closely with 41.6°C, while Tiruttani registered 40.5°C, Vellore 40.4°C, Chennai Airport 39.4°C, and Nungambakkam 39.3°C.
Weather officials noted that temperatures were markedly above normal — by over 5°C — in districts including Karur, Dindigul, the Nilgiris, and Vellore. Several other regions, including Chennai, Cuddalore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruvallur, Thoothukudi, and Valparai, recorded appreciably above-normal temperatures, higher by 3°C to 5°C.
Across the State, interior plains experienced temperatures ranging between 38°C and 42°C, while coastal areas recorded 37°C to 40°C. Hill regions remained relatively cooler, with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C.
The RMC has forecast a further rise in maximum temperatures by 2°C to 4°C in isolated pockets until Thursday, after which conditions are expected to return closer to normal. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in parts of interior Tamil Nadu till then, while coastal regions may face severe discomfort due to high humidity coupled with elevated daytime temperatures.