Day temperature to rise in Chennai

Chennai: Residents experienced hot and sweaty weather as day temperatures rose by more than 2C to 3C for the third straight day. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 36.8C and 37.6C, around 2.4C and 3C above normal. This was due to the change in wind direction caused by the weather systems bringing heavy spells over north India. Weathermen said relief may arrive only by the end of next week, after the systems dissipate. IMD has forecast the temperature to further rise to 37C-38C in the next 48 hours. Bloggers said the rise may continue till Sept 19 and relief may come in the form of thunderstorms around Sept 20.On Saturday, the temperature in the city and suburbs was at 36C-37C, but the humidity of nearly 75% and 67% in the city's two observatories made it ‘feel' like 42C or more.Meteorologists said the deep depression over north India has caused a change in the wind direction to strong westerlies over the city, causing temperatures to rise."Light rain may occur over some areas in the city and the suburbs. The maximum temperature is likely to be 37C-38C and the minimum temperature is likely to be around 28°C. Skies may be partly cloudy," said IMD's bulletin for the next 48 hours.The all-time high of 38.9C for the month was recorded on Sept 19, 1883. Blogger Pradeep John said weather models show rainfall activity to return in the city around Sept 20. "Manage the hot days for a few days. Relief is on the way soon from 19/20 Sept," he posted online.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !