Unusual Heatwave Hits Tamil Nadu in September

This September has brought unusually high temperatures to many parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. Areas like Erode, Palayamkottai, Vellore, Tiruchi, and Madurai have seen some of the hottest days this month. In early September, some weather stations recorded temperatures above 40°C. On Thursday, several places experienced mercury levels 4°C to 5°C higher than usual, with Tiruchi hitting a high of 39.5°C.

In Chennai, Nungambakkam recorded 38.1°C, which is the second-highest September temperature in over a decade. The city’s record for September is 38.9°C, set back in 1883. Meenambakkam also saw its highest daytime temperature this month at 38.5°C.

Officials from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai say the lack of rain and cloud cover due to a weak Southwest monsoon have contributed to these high temperatures. They also mentioned that El Niño, a global weather pattern, has played a role in making September unusually hot.

However, the RMC predicts that cooler weather will arrive by Friday as more rainfall is expected in northern and interior parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Vellore. This change is due to a weather trough extending towards the Gulf of Mannar, which will bring cloud cover and rain to specific areas.

Meteorologists explained that dry southerly winds and insufficient thundercloud development have kept temperatures high. They also noted that September typically brings significant rainfall to Tamil Nadu but this year, the monsoon has been weaker than usual.

Weather models are being closely monitored, and radars are under maintenance as part of preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.