Chennai Heatwave Intensifies as Temperatures Climb, IMD Issues Forecast
Chennai witnessed a resurgence of scorching heat on Saturday, with Meenambakkam recording a high of 36.1 degrees Celsius, marking the return of warm breezes and escalating humidity after a brief respite. This development signals the onset of hotter afternoons, potentially heralding the beginning of a prolonged heatwave period in the region.
IMD Predicts Continued Heat with Sunday Temperatures Expected to Reach 36C
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), day temperatures are forecast to touch 36 degrees Celsius again on Sunday. An IMD bulletin stated, "On Sunday, the city and the suburbs may experience dry weather. A partly cloudy sky may push temperatures to a maximum of 35-36C and a minimum of 25-26C." Across Tamil Nadu, temperatures are anticipated to rise 2 to 3 degrees above normal on Sunday before returning to average levels on March 30 and 31.
Temperature and Humidity Data Highlight Discomfort Levels
On Saturday, Nungambakkam registered 34.5 degrees Celsius, approximately one degree below normal, while Meenambakkam logged 36.2 degrees Celsius, about 1.2 degrees above normal. Humidity levels added to the discomfort, with Nungambakkam recording 84% at 8:30 AM, dropping to 70% by 5:30 PM, and Meenambakkam showing 76% in the morning, falling to 64% in the evening. Notably, Vellore experienced a high of 39.8 degrees Celsius, underscoring the widespread heat across the state.
Meteorological Factors Driving the Temperature Surge
Meteorologists attribute the temperature rise to increasing daytime heating as the sun moves nearly overhead. During this pre-monsoon period, hot, dry inland winds dominate the mornings, while the cooling sea breeze from the Bay of Bengal arrives only later in the afternoon. With minimal cloud cover or rainfall, temperatures escalate rapidly and feel more oppressive due to high humidity levels.
Bloggers Warn of Intensifying Heat in Early April
Weather blogger Pradeep John cautioned that conditions could deteriorate in the coming days. He indicated, "Between April 5 and 8, suburbs could breach 40C, with the core city inching closer. As of now, April 6 looks particularly hot." This suggests that Chennai may experience its first 40-degree Celsius readings of the year in the suburbs during early April.
Potential Relief from Rainfall in Interior Areas
Despite the heatwave, some relief may be on the horizon. Temperatures could fluctuate between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius in the interim, as rainfall is expected over districts closer to the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu from April 1 or 2. Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist at Skymet Weather, explained, "There may be rainfall over districts closer to the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu from April 1 or 2, with intensity increasing in the following days due to a trough extending from central India to the Comorin region. Chennai may not see rain, but temperatures may remain around 32–33C."
As Chennai braces for hotter days ahead, residents are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the rising heat and humidity.
