Chennai The day temperature exceeded 40°C for the first time this year due to warm and dry land air that swept into the city on Monday. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observatories recorded 40.6 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature recorded in Tamil Nadu on Monday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the day temperature in Chennai will continue at 39 degrees Celsius for at least the next two days. So for the next 48 hours, the maximum and minimum temperatures in Chennai and suburbs are likely to be 39 °C and 29 °C-30 °C.
Senthamarai Kannan, Director, Meteorological Centre, said, “Daytime temperatures in Chennai increased due to the influx of northwesterly winds from regions like dry and hot Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Northwesterlies are strong and block the entry of sea breezes, which can moderate temperatures. As land winds prevent sea air from entering land, heat is retained and temperatures rise. This weather will continue for three to four days. After that, there may be some rain in the interior parts of Tamil Nadu, which may bring down the temperature a little,” he said.
On Monday, humidity in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam areas was 81% and 52% at 8.30 am, but dropped to 36% and 34% by 5.30 pm. The temperature was still 46°C and 47°C at the two stations.
Private meteorologist Pradeep John said, “Though Nungambakkam has recorded the hottest day of the year so far, it was the second hottest day of the year in Meenambakkam. Tuesday will also see high temperatures. And will continue till June 1. After that, the temperature is likely to decrease,” he said.
