Mercury may breach 40C in May 1st week

Chennai: If the weather already feels hot and humid, it may turn scorching within a week. Meteorologists said daytime temperatures along coastal areas such as Chennai are likely to rise further, breaching the 40C mark in the first week of May. On Sunday, however, the city and suburbs may continue to record maximum temperatures of 37C to 38C. There may be some respite next week as there is a possibility of light rain spells before peak summer sets in.The IMD earlier forecast three to eight heatwave days during the April-June period. The city records its highest average daytime temperature of 37.3C in May, making it the peak summer month."Numerical weather prediction models show maximum temperatures increasing further along coastal areas, including Chennai, during the first week of May. Temperatures may reach 39C to 40C. Some interior districts such as Karur, Erode and Vellore have already crossed 40C," said V R Durai, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, IMD.On Sunday, hot and humid conditions may prevail, with maximum temperatures of 38C and minimum temperatures around 28C. There is also a possibility of light to moderate rain at isolated places over the Western Ghats and south coastal districts, while maximum temperatures may remain 2C above normal in a few interior districts and near normal over coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal till April 29.On Saturday, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 34.6C, 0.5 below normal, and 37.2C, 0.7 above normal. Humidity levels ranged between 67% and 77%, adding to discomfort. Vellore recorded the highest at 40.2C.So far in April, daytime temperatures have stayed between 35C and 37C over the city and neighbouring coastal districts, mainly because of the arrival of the sea breeze, which reduces actual temperatures but increases humidity and pushes the ‘feel-like' temperature to nearly 40C. Before temperatures spike further in May, there is a possibility of light rain spells for two to three days from April 28 due to a trough — an elongated region of relatively low pressure — extending from north interior Karnataka to the Comorin area and shifting closer to the coast."Interior districts may receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while coastal districts such as Chennai may get light scattered rain. Mid-May is likely to be the hottest period across the country," said Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist, Skymet Weather.
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