Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
Large parts of Tamil Nadu continue to grapple with intense heat as the mercury climbed above the 40°C threshold in several districts today. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a yellow alert effective from 15 April until 19 April, warning of a further rise in temperatures and persistent humid conditions across the state.
Karur Tops Heat Charts
Tamil Nadu is experiencing intense heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several districts like Karur (40.8°C). A yellow alert from April 15-19 warns of rising heat and humidity, expecting a 2-3°C temperature increase in interior areas and higher real feel in coastal regions.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Karur Paramathi emerged as the hottest location in the state, recording a blistering maximum temperature of 40.8°C. Following closely was Vellore, which registered 40.2°C, while Dharmapuri rounded out the top three with 39.5°C.
Major urban centres and industrial hubs also felt the brunt of the heat. Erode, Salem, and Madurai Airport all recorded temperatures of 39.0°C, whilst Coimbatore and Namakkal hovered between 38.5°C and 38.8°C. In the state capital, Chennai Airport recorded a maximum of 36.9°C, with the city centre remaining slightly cooler at 34.0°C.
In contrast to the scorching plains, the hill stations provided some respite, though even high-altitude regions felt the seasonal shift. Kodaikanal recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 11.1°C (with a maximum of 22.8°C), while Dharmapuri held the title for the lowest minimum in the plains at 22.6°C.
On the other hand, Chennai is expected to witness 37-38°C for the next two days.
Atmospheric Conditions and “Yellow Alert”
The current heatwave is being driven by specific atmospheric shifts. Yesterday’s north-south trough now extends from southeast Madhya Pradesh down to the Comorin area. This system moves across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and a cyclonic circulation over North Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at 0.9 km above mean sea level.
The RMC’s yellow alert highlights a period of “Hot and Humid” weather. An official statement noted:
“Due to humid air and high temperatures, hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.”
The meteorological outlook for the next five days (15-19 April) suggests a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C in isolated pockets across the interior districts of Tamil Nadu. While coastal regions, including Puducherry and Karaikal, are expected to see “no large change” in actual temperature, the high levels of humidity will likely result in a significantly higher “real feel,” increasing physical discomfort for residents.
Maximum temperatures are expected to remain 2-3°C above the seasonal normal in the interior, while coastal areas will stay closer to normal parameters. Authorities have advised citizens to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours as the state enters this five-day window of heightened thermal stress.
