The prevailing nip in the air will continue in Chennai till Pongal and so will misty mornings, particularly in suburban areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
On Wednesday, the weather stations in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded a minimum temperature of 19.9 degrees Celsius and 18.2 degrees Celsius respectively, which is two degrees lower than the average for the season. Several areas experienced chilly weather well after 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The night temperature had dipped to 17.8 degrees Celsius earlier this month in Meenambakkam. Many other places across the State have also been experiencing nippy weather since New Year’s day.
Below 10 degrees
Valparai, Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Kodaikanal are among the coldest places in the State with the minimum temperature dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. N. Puviarasan, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said cold weather is here to stay till Pongal. Northerly winds bringing in cold air are keeping the minimum temperature low at many places, including coastal areas. Hill stations located at a higher altitude too will experience cold wave-like conditions for a few more days.
The deficit northeast monsoon was another reason cited for the chilly weather this January. As there is no moisture, dry land quickly cools down, he said. IMD has forecast that ground frost conditions are likely to occur in isolated places of hilly areas in Coimbatore till Friday.
Chennai will continue to experience misty weather during early morning hours. The minimum temperature is likely to be around 20 degrees Celsius till Friday. K. Srikanth, a weather blogger, said there is a possibility of the minimum temperature increasing after Pongal.
