Chennai Weather Update: Weather Department Issues Severe Heatwave Alert; Check Forecast

Chennai Weather LATEST Update: The summer heat in Tamil Nadu is already crossing 100 degrees, and it's getting brutal. With a heatwave alert in place, the health department is asking everyone to stay hydrated, stick to cotton clothes to beat the heat

Scorching Sun

The summer heat in Tamil Nadu is breaking records every day. This year, the temperature has shot past 100 degrees in several districts, which is much higher than usual. A strong heatwave is currently affecting places like Vellore, Erode, Karur, Trichy, and Chennai. In the state's interior districts, the temperature is about 2 to 4 degrees higher than normal.

Public struggles with summer heat

The sun is beating down hard even before the peak summer period, known as 'Agni Nakshatram' or 'Kattiri Veyil', has begun. Temperatures are already hitting 100 degrees, making people worried. The health department has advised everyone to avoid going out between 10 AM and 4 PM. They also recommend drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and having tender coconut water or buttermilk to prevent dehydration. It's best to wear light cotton clothes and use an umbrella when you step outside.

Rain Warning

The Chennai Meteorological Department has issued a warning that temperatures could rise by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in some parts of Tamil Nadu. A trough, which is a low-pressure channel, is currently running from northeast Madhya Pradesh down to the Gulf of Mannar at an altitude of 1.5 km. This system passes over Vidarbha, Marathwada, interior Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Because of this, there's a chance of light rain until the 22nd in the Western Ghats districts, coastal Delta areas, Ramanathapuram, and Karaikal. The rest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will likely remain dry.

Heat will increase

From today until the 20th, the maximum temperature in Tamil Nadu's interior districts could be 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than normal. However, coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal will see temperatures closer to normal levels. People in these coastal areas might feel very uncomfortable because of the combination of high heat and humidity.

Warning for Chennai residents

The weather office has a specific warning for people in Chennai and its suburbs. For today and tomorrow, the sky will be partly cloudy. The maximum temperature will hover around 37-38° Celsius, while the minimum will be near 28° Celsius. The Met department has warned that the high heat and humidity will cause a lot of discomfort.