Travelling on a city bus or in a vehicle with windows rolled down even after dusk has been a gruelling experience for city residents over the past week.
Even though June is coming to a close, the city has been sizzling as day temperature has been hovering above 38 degree Celsius.
C. Akilandeswari, a frequent bus commuter, said: “I travel from Egmore to Koyambedu daily. But, the last few days have been especially sultry.”
On Friday too, the maximum temperature touched 38.6 degree Celsius in Nungambakkam, two degrees above average. Meenambakkam too recorded around 37.8 degree Celsius. Nights have been uncomfortable too with the minimum temperature around 30.7 degree Celsius.
Officials of the meteorological department said the delay in the onset of sea breeze was the main reason behind such humid weather in the city.
S.R. Ramanan, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said: “Strong westerlies had delayed the onset of sea breeze. “On Thursday, the sea breeze set in only around 6.45 p.m. This is why city residents would have felt humid till late evening hours.”
Strong westerlies are blowing because the southwest monsoon is vigorous in neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka, he added.
Chennai will continue to experience sultry weather this weekend too and the maximum temperature will be around 38 degree Celsius. However, the meteorological department also predicts thundershowers in some parts of the city.
