The regional meteorological department has issued a heatwave warning for north interior Tamil Nadu, indicating scorching temperatures and challenging conditions for residents and travelers alike. The advisory comes as many parts of Tamil Nadu experience intense heat, with temperatures soaring between 38 and 42.5 degrees Celsius.
Karur district in Tamil Nadu emerged as one of the hottest spots, recording a staggering 42.5 degrees Celsius, well above the seasonal norms. This heatwave trend is expected to persist for the next three days, prompting the weather office to issue a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in specific areas.
Even in the state capital of Chennai, temperatures have surged close to 40 degrees Celsius, leading to discomfort for commuters and residents. The Chennai Corporation authorities have advised people to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 3 pm and to take precautions such as covering their heads to shield themselves from the scorching sun.
Tourist destinations like Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Matheran in Maharashtra have not escaped the heatwave, with temperatures reaching 29.4 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively. Ooty witnessed its highest-ever maximum temperature in April, surpassing a record set decades ago.
The impact of this heatwave extends beyond inconvenience, affecting daily life and activities. For instance, Sukanya, a yoga instructor, has shifted her classes online due to the intense heat, while Aravind, a software engineer, relies on coconut water and hydration strategies to cope with the rising temperatures.
However, there is some relief in southern districts like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar, which received rainfall, providing a temporary respite from the sweltering conditions.
The threshold for declaring a heatwave is when temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, with a departure from normal temperatures of at least 4.5 notches for two consecutive days. A severe heatwave is declared if the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 notches.
Sources By Agencies
