Strong easterly winds may keep May heat down

Chennai: Chennaiitees may witness a dip in May temperature as weathermen predict a subdued weather not exceeding 40 degree C for the initial 10 days of Agni Nakshatram starting this Wednesday.

According to officials from the Regional Meteorological Centre, strong presence of easterly winds from the bay could be the reason behind the phenomenon.

“Isolated rains are expected in interior districts for the next five days, which will have an effect in cooling the atmosphere,” said a Met Department official.

Considered to be the peak summer season in Tamil calendar, Agni Nakshatram this year starts on May 4 and ends on May 28. However, weather bloggers say the initial 10-day temperature may not exceed 40 degree C. “Prevalence of dry westerlies, which accentuate the heat are very negligible. Peak summer temperature can be observed in the final days of the month,” said  weather blogger Pradeep John.

An analysis of the past one-decade shows a slight depreciation of May average, raising hopes of a similar tale. “The city’s average maximum temperature of 2015 was recorded at 36.63 degree C with five days crossing the 40 degree C mark.

The lowest was recorded in May 2005 at 37.22 degree C with just three days exceeding 40 degree C,” said John.

“The likely decrease in temperatures is a relief for many students like me who are doing their college projects,” said G. Anitha, a college student.