Heatwave intensifies across TN; temperature crosses 38 degrees in many districts
Chennai, April 29
With the onset of peak summer, Tamil Nadu is witnessing a steady rise in temperatures, with several districts recording extreme heat conditions. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, temperatures crossed 38 degrees Celsius in at least 13 locations across the state on April 28, indicating a deepening heatwave trend.
Tiruchirappalli recorded the highest temperature in the state, with the mercury soaring to 40.5 degrees, making it one of the hottest locations of the day. Other major districts also reported intense heat, with Vellore and Erode registering 39.4 degrees. Karur Paramathi, Chennai's Meenambakkam observatory, and Madurai Airport each recorded temperatures of around 38.9 degrees.
Several other regions experienced similarly high temperatures. Tirupattur and Dharmapuri recorded 38.3 degrees, while Salem, Thanjavur, Madurai city, Tiruttani, and Namakkal reported temperatures hovering around 37.8 degrees, reflecting widespread heat stress across both interior and coastal parts of the state.
Meteorological officials have warned that the situation is likely to worsen in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a further increase in maximum temperatures by up to 3 degrees across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry by Saturday.
The rise is attributed to prevailing dry weather conditions and increased solar radiation typical of late April.
In addition to soaring temperatures, high humidity levels -- particularly in coastal districts -- are expected to exacerbate discomfort among residents. The combination of heat and humidity could lead to elevated "feels-like" temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke.
Chennai, in particular, is expected to experience severe heat conditions, with temperatures likely to exceed 39 degrees in the coming days. Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and limiting outdoor activities.
Health officials have also urged vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to remain cautious as the heatwave conditions persist.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and is expected to issue further advisories if conditions intensify.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm a school teacher in Madurai and we had to send kids home early yesterday. The classrooms are like ovens with fans only. Government should provide more water coolers in public schools - children are suffering silently. 🥵
Living in Chennai for 3 years now, from Canada originally. Can confirm, this is NOT normal heat even for locals. The "feels like" temperature makes it hard to even step out after 10am. I don't know how people manage without proper cooling systems. Stay safe everyone!
My grandmother in Tirupattur says she's never seen April this hot in her 70 years. Global warming is real, and we're all feeling it. The article mentions 38.3°C there, but she said water in the well is warm even at 6am! Hope the government actually does something about climate change. 🙏
Hardworking labourers like my father are suffering the most. They can't just stay indoors during peak hours - they need to earn their daily bread. The government's advice is great on paper but unrealistic for millions of workers. We need heat shelters and free ORS packets at public places, not just advisories! 💪
+3°C more by Saturday? 😰 That's going to push Trichy close to 44°C. Meanwhile, the IMD keeps saying "heatwave conditions likely to ease" - but when? It's been like this for a fortnight! At least the article correctly highlights the humidity factor - that's the real killer here in coastal TN.
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