Chennai: Peripheries of the city and suburbs remained hotter than the core city on Friday, with temperatures breaching 40C for the second consecutive day at the Meenambakkam observatory. Weathermen said this could mark the beginning of an intense summer, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting hotter days and warmer nights this month and a possibility of at least four to five heatwave days in the city. However, above-normal rainfall may offer some relief from the scorching heat.In its monthly outlook released on Friday, the IMD said that south peninsular India, including Tamil Nadu, is likely to experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures in May. Coastal districts from Tiruvallur to Ramanathapuram may record four to five heatwave days, with some areas likely to experience up to eight days.“At least till May 5, there may be heatwave conditions over south peninsular India, including coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of meteorology, IMD.The IMD declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40C in plains (30C in hilly regions), or when it is 4.5C to 6.4C above normal. Meteorologists said a heatwave is typically declared when at least two stations in a meteorological subdivision meet these criteria for two consecutive days.Rainfall, mainly in the form of thunderstorms, may bring some respite this month, as the agency forecast above-normal rainfall across the state in May. The month marks peak summer season, with highest average maximum temperature hitting 37.3C. Rainfall also increases, with May averaging about 43mm.On Saturday, the city and the suburbs are likely to experience hot and humid conditions, with maximum temperatures of 39-40C and minimum temperatures around 29C. On Friday, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 36.6C and 40C, 0.5 and 2.9 above normal.V R Durai, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said the spike is due to the arrival of hot and dry northerly winds from the Rayalaseema region. “Temperatures may breach 40C in Meenambakkam, while Nungambakkam may continue to benefit from the sea breeze,” he said, adding that there is also a possibility of rain around May 3.
