The early morning sun paints a misleading picture in the Chennai sky. Any day in the 'Kathiri' season is likely to be a scorcher. Photo: Bhagya Prakash K
The hottest day of the decade was recorded on May 31, 2003 when the mercury rose to 45 degrees Celsius. In the photo, a huge crowd takes refuge from the heat at the beach of Velankanni Basilica in Nagapattinam District. Photo: B. Velankanni Raj
Traffic police personnel tap into the Chief Minister's scheme of free lemon juice. Photo: B. Velankanni Raj
Loads of palm (Nungu) have arrived in Thanjavur. Vendors shell them by the dozen as customers wait for a taste of the succulent jelly-like fruit. Photo: M. Srinath
Tender coconuts are in great demand during the season and vendors make brisk business in Madurai. Photo:R. Ashok
Youngsters enjoy a cool splash at Raveeswarar temple tank in Vysarpadi, Chennai. Photo: B.Jyothi Ramalingam
Nothing like freshly squeezed fruit juice on a hot Madurai day. The vendor's contraption is of as much interest as the beverage itself. Photo: R. Ashok
When umbrellas become a default accessory, it's time to go hands-free. Photo: R. Ashok
To stave off sunburn and grimy pollution, Chennai motorists cloak themselves in extra layers, quite like bedouins in the desert. Photo: K. Pichumani
With many districts plagued by power outages, the traditional 'visiri' palm fans never go out of vogue. A number of vendors in Erode have set up temporary shops to meet the demand. Photo: M. Govarthan
A young girl quenches her thirst from a broken hand-pump at Chintadripet in Chennai. Photo: R. Ragu
Watermelon from Dindivanam has flooded the markets of Palayamkottai and Tirunelveli. In the summer season, water melon often trumps the mango as a healthier and more economical option. Photo: A. Shaikmohideen