While the city’s weather observatories are recording normal day temperatures, residents who are out and about in the sun, are wilting.
On Tuesday, the temperature was lower than that of Monday’s, but thanks to the blazing heat and high humidity levels, this did not offer much comfort, said meteorologists.
While the observatory in Nungambakkam recorded a normal day temperature of 34.7 degree Celsius, the one in Meenambakkam registered 35.9 degree Celsius, which is one degree below normal. However, residents who are on the move would have felt the heat to be at least five degrees more, said meteorologists.
The day temperature peaked at 37.5 degree Celsius in Nungambakkam on April 15 this year.
Meteorological department officials said the soaring mercury level dipped slightly on Tuesday, due to a weak westerly wind, which brings in hot air.
The city and its suburbs will continue to experience relatively mild weather on Wednesday. From Thursday onwards, when the south-westerlies get stronger, the temperature will increase. Next week though, the temperature could dip again.
Y.E.A. Raj, deputy director general of meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, said the mercury level has already touched 41-42 degree Celsius in interior areas such as Vellore and Madurai.
However, people in coastal regions such as Chennai may feel the heat more intensely, as the humidity level is high. On Tuesday, the humidity in Nungambakkam and Meenambakam stood at 78 per cent and 66 per cent respectively.
Officials also said areas in the southern and western parts of the State would experience some showers in the next few days.
The chances of rainfall in Chennai however, are slim.
This year, peak summer season, popularly referred to as ‘Kathiri Veyil’ is set to be between May 4 and May 28.
