Tamil Nadu’s brutal summer heat may ease slightly with predictions of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in multiple regions this Wednesday. The IMD has issued alerts for southern districts, northern coastal areas, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Western Ghats, though northern interiors stay parched.
Chennai expects partial cloud cover and patchy light showers. Yet, the heatwave rages on: Tuesday’s records show Vellore sizzled at 42.2°C, Karur at 41°C, and Erode-Namakkal near 40°C. Tirupattur hit 39.5°C, Tiruchi 39°C, Tiruttani 38.9°C, with elevated readings in Parmathi, Dharmapuri, Palayamkottai, Madurai, Salem, and Tiruchi airport above 37°C.
Temperatures exceeded norms by 2-3°C, underscoring the heatwave’s grip. Rain may provide temporary relief, but experts predict no major drop in mercury. April 9 mirrors today’s pattern with isolated showers, escalating to scattered light-moderate rains from April 10 in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Blame an erratic trough of low pressure stretching from eastern India to Gulf of Mannar for the convective bursts amid heat. Authorities advise ample fluid intake, limiting daytime outdoor activities, and heat safety precautions, as sweltering conditions persist statewide.
