Temperature Dips Slightly In Coimbatore, But Real-Feel Remains Hotter

Coimbatore: A city once known for its pleasant climate, Coimbatore is sweating in sweltering heat today. Though the district has recorded a slight dip in temperature since Saturday after two months of rising heat, it hasn't made any difference as the ‘real feel' temperature remains significantly higher than the recorded levels.The highest temperature that the district recorded to date this year is 39.2°C, which was registered in the airport area on April 17. Although temperature has stayed below 40°C, the actual feel has been 3°C-4°C higher, leading to heavy sweating and discomfort. According to the India Meteorological Department, Coimbatore is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall from Monday through the first week of May. However, experts say the impact may vary across the district. City-based weather enthusiast Santhosh Krishnan attributes the rising temperature to the developing El Niño phenomenon. He says the district-wide rainfall forecast is more likely to benefit greener and ghat-adjacent areas, while the core city may see only limited relief. He also notes that humidity, which has so far remained between 25% and 30%, is expected to rise in the coming days, making conditions feel even hotter. Dr Ga Dheebakaran, associate professor, Department of Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, says the lack of rainfall in the district over the past six months has worsened the heat. "When soil retains moisture, much of the sun's energy is used for evaporation. In the absence of soil moisture over the past three to four months, that energy has instead been converted directly into heat." According to him, the current conditions could not be fully blamed on El Niño, as the system remains in a neutral phase, with only a 61% chance of developing into El Niño after this month. TNAU recorded a maximum temperature of 39.4°C, and the mercury level in the city's core areas could be 0.5°C to 1°C higher, he says. Residents working outdoors say the heat has become severe. Varun Ganesh, 28, a road contractor from Madukkarai, says he fainted from dehydration while working. He blamed the lack of green cover within the city limits for reducing shade and airflow, worsening conditions for labourers exposed to the sun. With no relief in sight for the residents, Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on Monday opened a dedicated 10-bed heat stroke ward. Dr P Balusamy, deputy director of health services, has advised people to avoid going outdoors between 10am and 3pm, avoid tight clothing, stay hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if unwell. "All primary health centres in the district have dedicated oral rehydration solution corners."