Chennai and neighboring districts brace for hottest July weather since 2015

Residents across Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Tiruvallur districts are bracing for uncomfortably hot and humid conditions through Thursday, with daytime temperatures expected to reach up to 39°C. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast little to no chance of rain for the coming week, leaving locals to endure sultry conditions.

According to the RMC, daytime temperatures will hover between 38°C and 39°C. High humidity levels mean the afternoon 'feels-like' temperature could cross 45°C, making outdoor activities exhausting for residents.

Tamil Nadu Weatherman Pradeep John stated that this is the hottest July the region has experienced since 2015. He forecast a harsh Sunday for Chennai and its neighbouring districts due to the extreme heat.

While July temperatures in Chennai are typically moderated by sea breezes and occasional monsoon showers to keep the maximum temperature around 35°C to 36°C, their absence this year has pushed temperatures 2°C to 4°C above normal.

RMC officials explained that a weather trough along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, located at 0.9 km above mean sea level, has become less marked. An official noted that the trough had formed on Saturday, briefly bringing a possibility of rainfall to Chennai, but it has since weakened and can no longer influence the weather or assist in cloud formation.

The RMC stated that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu are likely to remain 2°C to 4°C above normal at isolated places until Thursday, with further temperature increases expected over the next few days.

Some relief may be in store for districts adjoining the Western Ghats, which are expected to receive light to moderate rain. Additionally, strong surface winds reaching speeds of 40 kmph to 50 kmph were forecast for isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Sunday.