Chennai may get light rain during weekend

CHENNAI: Night temperature in Meenambakkam observatory, which covers the southern suburbs, dropped to 20.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday before sunrise, marking the lowest since the year began. However, residents could not enjoy the chilly weather as the minimum humidity levels, which were at 55%, did not allow the 'feel like' temperature to drop below 20 degrees Celsius.

Meenambakkam previously recorded 20.7 degrees Celsius on Jan 6, 2025. The all-time lowest temperature in Meenambakkam is 15.7 degrees Celsius, recorded on Jan 27, 1969.

Nungambakkam observatory, which covers city's core localities, registered 21 degrees Celsius, around 0.7 degrees Celsius below normal. The weather station recorded minimum humidity of 60% as it is closer to the sea.

The city's average minimum temperature in Jan is 21.5 degrees Celsius. The city receives an average of 16.2mm of rainfall during the month.

Meteorologists said night temperatures could rise early next week as an upper air circulation might bring light rain spells and cloudy weather.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in isolated places over five Delta districts on Jan 11. Blogger Pradeep John said night temperatures might rise in the city and the suburbs around Jan 12, when there is also a chance of rainfall. "Cloudy weather could increase night temperatures. We may also receive rainfall. It may not be heavy," he said.

On Thursday, the city and the suburbs may experience mist or haze during the morning hours. The skies may be partly cloudy, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 21-22 degrees Celsius.

"The night temperature is not dropping due to the entry of moisture-laden easterlies. The moisture is bringing mist during the early morning hours. Except for the heavy rainfall forecast over the delta region on Jan 11, there may not be any significant change in the weather condition. The night temperature may drop after the rain activity stops," said N Senthamarai Kannan, director, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, IMD.