Chennai temperature touches 41.2 degree C

Chennai: At 41.2 degree Celsius, Chennai airport recorded the second highest temperature across the state on Wednesday as residents bemoaned the brutality of Kathiri heat.

Tiruttani at 41.5 degree Celsius topped the state’s maximum temperature, according to the data from India Meteorological Department. Westerlies dominated the wind pattern of the city leading to sultry days and warmer nights.

Weather stations in the city recorded the highest May temperature for the year as Nungamabakkam station recorded 40.8 degree Celsius, Chennai airport boiled at 41.2 degree Celsius.

However, the summer temperature in the city has exceeded the record on April, said weathermen. “On April 22 this year, Nungambakkam had recorded 40.8 degree Celsius while Meenambakkam crossed 41.8 degree Celsius,” said weather blogger T. Gokul.

According to director of Regional Meteorological Department, S. Balachandran, the surge in the temperature is a natural phenomenon expected for the month of May.

“Sea breeze on Wednesday was set only at 2.45 pm, leading to high humid levels,” said Balachandran. However, astro meteorologist S. Ramachandran predicted a low humid day on Thursday as sea breeze is forecasted to be set much early.

“Temperature would be hovering around 40-42 degree Celsius in Chennai till June 28. Slight showers under the influence of southwest monsoon at the start of June could cool the city for two days,” he added.

Southwest monsoons will bring good amount of rainfall to the districts in the down south while moderate rainfall is predicted for northern districts. “Humidity was felt even an hour after sunset. I only hope there would be a respite after Agni Nakshataram,” said Rama Prasanna, a motorist.

Vellore had noted the maximum temperature at 40.8 degree Celsius while Puducherry followed it at 40.4 degree Celsius. Interior districts like Madurai recorded 40.2 degree Celsius and Salem recorded 29.5 degree Celsius.