CHENNAI: The city sweltered as dry winds kept temperatures elevated, while interior districts endured intense heat for the second straight day.
The observatories in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 35.3°C and 37.1°C, 1.5 and 2.2 degrees above normal. Vellore recorded the highest temperature in the state at 40.9°C.
Meteorologists said the hot spell may persist for another three days, with city temperatures around 38°C on Saturday. Much-needed relief may arrive in April with pre-monsoon showers in most regions, including Chennai.
“The temperature departure was on the ‘plus’ side in most stations in the state on Friday. With dry weather across the state, temperature will stay elevated for the next three days. Rain activity may first start in south TN next week. By April 1 or 2, there could be thunderstorm activity in north TN,” said N Senthamarai Kannan, director, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, IMD.
On Saturday, the city and the suburbs may record day temperatures of around 38°C and night temperatures of around 26-27°C. A few pockets of Tamil Nadu may record temperatures 2-3°C above normal.
The IMD also issued a warning that hot and discomforting weather is likely to prevail in a few pockets of the state due to humid air and high temperatures.
On Friday, Meenambakkam was the third hottest in the state with 38.7°C, around 3.8 degrees above normal. Nungambakkam recorded 36.5°C, around 2.7 degrees above normal.
“Winds were southerly and the seabreeze was restricted, which led to the temperature rise in the city. Pre-monsoon rains may start from the first week of April in most parts of south peninsular India. Coastal areas may get scattered rainfall. A trough extending from central parts of India to south interior Tamil Nadu will bring the rain,” said Mahesh Palawat, Chief Meteorologist, Skymet Weather.
Blogger Pradeep John said weather models show a cyclonic circulation or a low pressure to form near Andaman and may move towards Chennai. “There could be rainfall around April 7-8,” he said.