Key Highlights:
The Chennai heatwave has taken a sharp turn with temperatures surging above seasonal averages, causing discomfort across the city and surrounding suburbs. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned residents of persistently high temperatures and oppressive humidity that may continue for the next four to five days.
Scorching Heat and Sticky Humidity Across Chennai
On Thursday, official IMD stations recorded:
- Nungambakkam: 36.9°C (2.4°C above normal)
- Meenambakkam: 38.1°C (2.5°C above normal)
- Humidity: Around 60% throughout the day
These figures reflect a significant deviation from the norm, making even indoor conditions uncomfortable.
According to meteorologists, this surge is attributed to a change in wind direction influenced by a weakened weather system over the Bay of Bengal. The resulting dry, northwesterly winds are sweeping through north Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and its western suburbs.
IMD Forecast: 37–38°C in Chennai, With Some Areas Nearing 40°C – Chennai heatwave
Deputy Director General (Addl Charge), B Amudha of IMD, issued an official update:
“The city and the neighbourhood may experience a partly cloudy sky on Friday. Maximum temperature may be around 37–38°C, and minimum temperature around 27–28°C.”
This aligns with IMD’s larger prediction of 2–3°C above-normal temperatures in isolated pockets of Tamil Nadu.
Heatwave Extends to Tamil Nadu’s Interior Districts
Temperature readings across other parts of the state showed even more extreme conditions:
- Vellore: 40.6°C (Highest in Tamil Nadu, 2.5°C above normal)
- Erode: 40.0°C
- Trichy: 39.1°C
- Tiruttani: 39.0°C
Heatwave conditions are particularly severe in western and interior districts, which are experiencing the full impact of dry land winds.
Why Tamil Nadu Is Heating Up: Weather System Breakdown
Meteorological experts confirm that the low-pressure system over the west-central Bay of Bengal has weakened significantly and is now moving north-northeastwards.
This has caused a shift in wind flow:
- The region is now drawing dry, hot winds from Rayalaseema and interior Karnataka
- These winds are hitting north and interior Tamil Nadu, elevating the heat levels
Northwesterly winds are especially potent and are pushing up temperatures in districts like Vellore, Ranipet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and parts of Chennai.
Blogger Pradeep John: “Vellore May Cross 41°C”
Well-known weather blogger Pradeep John echoed IMD’s warnings:
“Dry hot northwesterly winds from Rayalaseema/interior Karnataka would be pushed into north Tamil Nadu, reaching Vellore, Ranipet, Kancheepuram, west interior Chennai, and Tiruvallur districts. Temperature to spike for the next 4–5 days.”
He also cautioned that Meenambakkam may hit 40°C, possibly marking its first 40-degree reading of the year.
What This Means for You
With Chennai under the grip of this early summer heatwave, residents are urged to:
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks
- Use cooling methods indoors like fans, shades, and ventilation
- Wear light-colored cotton clothing
- Monitor vulnerable groups like elderly people and young children
Who Will Be Affected
- Daily commuters and outdoor workers
- Students attending schools without ACs or ventilation
- Elderly and people with underlying health conditions
- Farmers in dryland areas of north and interior Tamil Nadu
How Long Will the Heat Last?
IMD and private forecasters agree the current pattern will persist till early next week, especially in interior and north Tamil Nadu.
While Chennai’s coastal influence may offer mild moderation, the western suburbs and nearby districts will likely face peak temperatures of 39–40°C, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
Chennai Faces Prolonged Heatwave Conditions
The Chennai heatwave is not a one-day event but part of a larger climatic pattern tied to weakened systems and altered wind flows. With temperatures set to climb higher in coming days, residents should take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Stay tuned to Hindustan Herald for the latest weather updates and safety tips.
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