Just when the city was feeling relieved that peak summer days were over, the weather turned fickle on Tuesday. The mercury level peaked at 40.8 degreess Celsius in Meenambakkam.
Several parts of the city sizzled under searing heat as the weather station in Nungambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius. Tuesday was one of the hottest days this season. Residents of many other places in the State also experienced scorching heat as the mercury level climbed a few notches above normal.
Five more places were under the grip of blistering heat, with the maximum temperature peaking above 40 degrees Celsius. Tiruttani recorded the hottest day with 43.5 degrees Celsius. Cuddalore and Puducherry too recorded 42.1 degrees Celsius and 40.6 degrees Celsius respectively.
Westerly winds
In Chennai, the day temperature climbed to 37 degrees Celsius as early as 10.30 a.m. S.B. Thampi, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai, said strong westerly winds that bring in hot air has weakened the sea breeze. Clear sky and the delay in onset of sea breeze had led to the high temperatures.
The Met Department on Tuesday declared the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, three days ahead of its usual date. For the next few days, city residents may have to endure hotter days as the meteorological department has forecast that Chennai will experience a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius till Thursday.
