Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
After days of relentless heat, residents across Chennai and its neighbouring districts may finally experience a brief spell of relief as temperatures are expected to dip slightly over the weekend. However, Friday once again saw the KTCC belt – comprising Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai and Chengalpattu – along with Vellore, reeling under scorching summer conditions with several locations crossing the 40°C mark.
According to weather observers, Vellore emerged as one of the hottest places in Tamil Nadu on Friday, recording a sweltering 41.3°C at the observatory level. Chennai’s Meenambakkam station too touched a blistering 40.8°C, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing heatwave conditions across north Tamil Nadu.
Chennai and northern districts recorded temperatures above 40°C, with Vellore reaching 41.3°C; a slight temperature dip is expected this weekend, potentially bringing relief through thunderstorms and isolated rain across Tamil Nadu.
Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) reported even higher readings in several suburbs and interior pockets. Poonamallee topped the charts at a staggering 42.3°C, while Periyapalayam registered 41.7°C. Tirur and Tambaram recorded 41.5°C each, followed by Avadi at 40.9°C and Kelambakkam at 40.7°C. Other areas such as Kancheepuram, RK Pet, Walajabad and Thiruverkadu also breached the 40°C threshold.
Despite the oppressive conditions on Friday, weather models indicate that Saturday could bring a marginal reduction in temperatures across Chennai and surrounding regions. Meteorologists expect daytime temperatures to drop by around 1-2°C, potentially keeping the mercury around the 39°C mark in many parts of the city. If forecasts hold true, this could be one of the rare days this week when Chennai avoids crossing 40°C.
Adding to the optimism is the possibility of thunderstorm activity developing later in the day over north coastal Tamil Nadu, including parts of Chennai and its suburbs. Forecasters believe cloud formation and isolated rain showers may provide temporary respite from the intense heat that has gripped the region over the past several days.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has also forecast favourable conditions for rainfall across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph is likely at isolated places over districts including Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Namakkal.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is expected at a few places across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with isolated thunderstorm activity possible over south Tamil Nadu as well.
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather pattern to multiple atmospheric systems influencing the region. An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea, while a trough extending from the system towards the Comorin area across Kerala and south Tamil Nadu continues to enhance moisture flow. Although earlier circulations over north Tamil Nadu and the Bay of Bengal have weakened, residual instability in the atmosphere is expected to support thunderstorm development over the coming days.
Weather enthusiasts are particularly watching Sunday closely, with forecasts suggesting a higher probability of widespread thunderstorms across Tamil Nadu. Until then, residents are hoping the anticipated cloud cover and showers will offer much-needed relief from the punishing summer heat.
