Monsoon in Kerala Expected to Bring Relief to Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam
Residents in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam are expected to get respite from intense summer temperatures as the southwest monsoon is scheduled to set in over Kerala around June 4, according to meteorologists.
On Wednesday, southern suburbs of Chennai recorded the highest temperatures in Tamil Nadu, with Meenambakkam reaching 40.3°C and Nungambakkam recording 38.4°C. However, regional weather officials indicate that relief from the harsh summer conditions is imminent.
Meteorologists explained that although the southwest monsoon is unlikely to bring direct rainfall to the city immediately, its onset will likely bring cloud cover and steady southwesterly winds. These factors are expected to reduce daytime temperatures across the region. Additionally, the interaction between westerlies and easterlies could increase the chances of evening thunderstorms during the break-monsoon period.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast hot and humid weather for Thursday, with maximum temperatures ranging between 39°C and 40°C. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also predicted for the city and its suburbs. Despite this immediate forecast, meteorologists expect temperatures to soon dip to near or below normal levels.
V R Durai, director of the area cyclone warning centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai, stated that steady westerlies may cause clouding, which will reduce the intensity of sunlight and bring temperatures down. He noted that below-normal temperatures are anticipated for at least a week, adding that Chennai is unlikely to experience harsh summer heat while the monsoon remains active over Kerala.
Durai also mentioned that there is a possibility of widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
Chennai typically records an average maximum temperature of 37.2°C in June. While the IMD official noted that temperatures might temporarily rise during break-monsoon periods, the chances of convective rain and thunderstorms remain high due to the interaction of easterly and westerly winds.
