Meteorological Agency Forecasts Temperature Increase in TN for Upcoming Days

Chennai, March 4 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a warning regarding a potential rise in temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius throughout Tamil Nadu in the following four days.

The weather agency indicates that light to moderate easterly and northeasterly winds in the lower troposphere are contributing factors to this rise. The maximum temperature in northern coastal districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur, is forecasted to increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

The RMC correlates this heatwave with the La Nina phenomenon, which has delayed the withdrawal of the northeast monsoon, resulting in a milder winter season. The absence of cloud formation and diminished moisture levels over the sea have also exacerbated rising temperatures in both coastal and interior areas.

Despite the immediate heat increase, long-term projections suggest that there will not be a dramatic rise in summer temperatures. Experts anticipate that temperatures will hover around 38–39 degrees Celsius, akin to previous years.

In February, various interior districts, such as Karur, Erode, and Salem, witnessed a notable temperature spike. In the upcoming days, temperatures in some interior areas may surpass normal levels by 1 or 2 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the weather department has indicated that mist may develop during early morning hours due to shifting wind patterns.

In response to the RMC's alert, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has released a health advisory. It encourages the public to stay hydrated and consume homemade beverages like lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt. Eating hydrating fruits and vegetables is also advised.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, individuals should remain indoors in well-ventilated, cool spaces, keep windows and curtains shut during the day to minimize heat, and open them at night for air circulation. Outdoor activities should be planned for cooler hours, and people should avoid direct sunlight, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, high-protein foods, and stale food.

The advisory also cautioned against leaving children or pets in parked vehicles, as temperatures can escalate to dangerous levels inside.

The DPH emphasizes the need for additional precautions for infants, young children, pregnant women, and those with heart conditions or pre-existing health issues. Outdoor workers are urged to reduce sun exposure, refrain from strenuous tasks during peak heat hours, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and drink water every 20 minutes.

Additionally, elderly individuals or those who are unwell and living alone should be regularly checked on. The public is advised to avoid going out between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and to seek medical help if experiencing dizziness, headaches, or symptoms of heat stress.