With summer setting in, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast a gradual increase in daytime temperatures across many parts of Tamil Nadu, starting Tuesday.
Dry weather is expected to dominate the state, except for districts along the Western Ghats, which may experience light to moderate rainfall until Wednesday. According to the RMC, a north-south trough and wind discontinuity could bring isolated showers to these regions. However, by March 27, dry conditions are expected to prevail across the state.
The meteorological office has warned that temperatures could rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in some areas over the next four days, with interior districts likely to face hotter conditions as minor weather systems weaken and dry conditions intensify.
The rise in temperatures is attributed to light to moderate easterly and northeasterly winds in the lower troposphere. Northern coastal districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur, are expected to witness a 2 to 3-degree increase in maximum temperatures.
Meteorologists suggest that the early onset of summer heat is linked to the La Niña effect, which delayed the withdrawal of the northeast monsoon and resulted in a milder winter. The absence of cloud formation and a drop in sea moisture levels have further intensified warming trends across both coastal and interior regions.
Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 38-39 degrees Celsius, similar to previous years. February had already recorded higher-than-usual temperatures in several interior districts, including Karur, Erode, and Salem.
While some interior regions may see temperatures rising 1 to 2 degrees above normal in the coming days, recent rainfall in southern Tamil Nadu provided temporary relief. However, with weakening weather systems, summer is set to tighten its grip across the state.
The RMC has also cautioned that high daytime temperatures, increased humidity, and nighttime temperatures rising 2 to 3 degrees above normal may lead to uncomfortable weather conditions in several areas through March 28.
On Monday, isolated rainfall was recorded in some regions, with Villupuram receiving 5 cm of rain, while Adiramapattinam in Thanjavur district saw light showers. Vellore recorded the highest temperature in the state at 37.6 degrees Celsius.
Interestingly, Tamil Nadu has recorded 46.2 mm of rainfall this March—nearly three times the usual average—making it one of the wettest March months in recent decades. The showers were attributed to specific weather systems affecting southern districts. Chennai is also expected to witness above-normal temperatures, ranging between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius, until Wednesday.
As dry conditions return and the mercury rises, residents across the state are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak afternoon hours.
IANS
