Chennai experiences hottest day of year so far

While the maximum temperature peaked to 41.1° Celsius at Nungambakkam, the mercury level touched 40° Celsius at Meenambakkam.

Residents had to bear with hot winds and searing heat for most of the day. File

City residents who were enjoying relatively cool weather this summer until a few days ago felt the gruelling heat on Thursday. Chennai experienced its first hot day of the year with the day temperature crossing 40-degree-mark.

While the maximum temperature peaked to 41.1 degree Celsius at Nungambakkam, the mercury level touched 40 degree Celsius at Meenambakkam. Residents had to bear with the hot winds and searing heat for most of the day as the westerlies were blowing strong.

Sea breeze

Officials of the meteorological department said strong winds and low moisture in the air had prevented the onset of sea breeze, which usually occurs during noon. On Thursday, it set in only around 2.50 p.m. By then, the temperature had peaked to 41.1 degree Celsius and it took some time for the temperature to drop.

The department has predicted that the day temperature will continue to hover around 40 degree Celsius on Friday as well.

However, there is some solace for residents as thundershowers may hit some areas of the city during evening or night hours.

With one more week to go for peak summer, officials say that the mercury level may further go up till sea breeze intervenes.

Last year, the maximum temperature peaked to 42.8 degree Celsius on May 24 in the city.