Chennai Faces Ongoing Heatwave Amid Rain Forecast: IMD Alert
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chennai, April 21 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is bracing for an extended period of high temperatures, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) alerting that readings in interior districts may exceed the usual norms by 2–3 degrees Celsius. In Chennai, temperatures are predicted to stay around 37–38 degrees Celsius, with elevated humidity making the weather particularly uncomfortable for residents.
Concurrently, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted light to moderate rainfall across certain areas of the Western Ghats, southern coastal regions, and delta districts starting today and continuing over the next three days.
Thunderstorms with winds gusting up to 40 kmph, along with lightning, are expected in isolated locales, potentially providing a brief relief from the ongoing heat.
These varying weather patterns result from atmospheric disturbances in peninsular India, impacting both the heat accumulation and localized precipitation.
Moreover, the state recently faced severe heatwave conditions, with at least 13 locations documenting exceptionally high temperatures. Vellore recorded the peak at approximately 40.5 degrees Celsius, with Karur Paramathi, Erode, and Madurai Airport also reaching around 40 degrees Celsius.
Madurai city noted 39.5 degrees Celsius, while areas like Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, and Palayamkottai reported temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius.
Other regions, including Tirupattur, Salem, and parts of Tirunelveli, experienced temperatures around 38.5 degrees Celsius, while Coimbatore recorded a relatively cooler 37.8 degrees Celsius.
This widespread heatwave indicates a consistent rise in summer temperatures throughout the state, with the interior areas suffering the most from extreme conditions.
Given the forecast of sustained high temperatures, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and limiting outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
The IMD is closely monitoring the changing weather situation, encouraging the public and local officials to remain vigilant regarding heat-related hazards and possible thunderstorm occurrences in the upcoming days.
aal/rad