Mercury on rise due to wind pattern, pollution

Chennai: From the record rainfall in December last year to the consecutively above normal temperature this month, weather pattern in the city is witnessing drastic changes.

Though the temperature is hovering around just three degrees above normal, real temperature feel is escalating each day due to natural factors—wind pattern and developmental reasons – pollution.

August, which is expected to be pleasant with occasional rain  and regular sea breeze is extremely dry this year, say weather experts. “Temperature is crossing 36 degrees Celsius on many days, with nights getting uncomfortable. Sea breeze sets very late,” said weather blogger, S. Bhaskaran.

Statistics reveal the highest temperature for April in Chennai was recorded at 40 degrees in 1918. Though the mark is unbeaten till date, the city noted 39.1 degrees in 2009 and 38.5 degrees in 2014.   

Chennai experienced 38.2 degrees on August  8 this year. The average August temperature (calculated at the month end) could break records, say weather experts.

“Combined factors, including downward movement of air and delay in onset of sea breeze, had disrupted cloud development, which causes rain. South west monsoon which is supposed to bring rain to the city and its neighbourhood has failed due to such reasons,” said Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, S. Balachandran.

However, weathermen pin hopes on northeast monsoon, which primarily bring rain to the city. According to Sai Praneeth, a blogger at Weather of South India, strong Northwest winds towards Bay resulted in dry climate. “For the past four days, the climate was so sultry due to depression formed at Bay. A dip in the temperature is predicted in the next four days,” he added.

With 37.3 degrees Celsius on Friday, Chennai departed 2.9 degrees from normal temperature in August. Meenambakkam  recorded 38.3 degrees, which is 3.7 degrees above normal.