Chennai may get respite from summer heat once southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala today

Chennai: Southern suburbs were the hottest in the state on Wednesday, with Meenambakkam recording 40.3°C, the highest in Tamil Nadu, and Nungambakkam 38.4°C. But respite from the harsh summer heat may be around the corner.

Meteorologists said the southwest monsoon, expected to set in over Kerala around June 4, though unlikely to bring direct rainfall to the city, may bring cloud cover and steady southwesterly winds that could reduce daytime temperatures. The interaction between westerlies and easterlies may also increase the chances of evening thunderstorms during the break-monsoon period.

While IMD has forecast hot and humid weather with maximum temperatures of 39°C–40°C and light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in the city and suburbs on Thursday, meteorologists said there is a possibility for temperatures to dip to near or below normal.

“There may be clouding due to steady westerlies, which can reduce the intensity of sunlight and bring temperatures down. We expect below-normal temperatures for at least a week. When the monsoon is active over Kerala, Chennai is unlikely to experience harsh summer heat,” said V R Durai, director, area cyclone warning centre, RMC Chennai. “There is also a possibility of widespread rainfall across the state on Thursday.”

The city records an average maximum temperature of 37.2 °C in June.

The IMD official said temperatures may temporarily rise during break-monsoon periods, though convective rain and thunderstorm chances could remain high because of the interaction between easterly and westerly winds.

On Wednesday, temperatures had already begun to dip across parts of the state. IMD has forecast near-normal maximum temperatures over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal till June 7, while western and southern districts may receive rainfall of varying intensity till June 8.