CHENNAI: The city may have experienced above-normal maximum temperatures in the last few days, but May, considered the hottest month in the year, ended without temperature touching 40°C in Nungambakkam station for the second time at least since 2012.
The last time May ended without crossing 40°C at the weather station, which covers the city’s core areas, was in 2018 when the highest maximum temperature was 39.1°C recorded on May 31. The all-time high record was 45°C on May 31, 2003. While IMD has forecast maximum temperatures to hover at 39°C-40°C for the next two days, bloggers said the present weather pattern may continue at least for the next one week.
While Meenambakkam touched 40.1°C on May 23, Nungambakkam continued to hover at 39°C. Meteorologists said the cloudy weather and the rainfall in parts of the city triggered by cyclone Asani and its remnants and persistent easterlies kept maximum temperatures under control through May while also leaving high humidity.
On Tuesday too, a delayed seabreeze ended May with maximum temperatures of 39.3°C at Nungambakkam and 39.6°C at Meenambakkam, 1.3°C and 0.9°C above normal. Relative humidity at the two stations were 83% and 67%. According to IMD, the maximum temperature at Meenambakkam was the highest in the state, followed by Tiruthani at 39.6°C and Nungambakkam.
With the southwest monsoon rainfall extending over south and north interior districts, IMD officials said maximum and minimum temperatures in the city and the suburbs are likely to be 39°C-40°C and 28°C-29°C for the next 48 hours. There are chances of thunderstorms with light-moderate rain in some areas and the skies are likely to be partly cloudy.
Blogger Pradeep John said since 2004, it was the third time May month ended without crossing 40°C. “The present weather pattern will continue for a week. Models show temperatures crossing 40°C. By June 8, temperatures may drop,” he said.
