Lack of weather activity in the region has pushed up the maximum in the city. In the last ten years, the highest maximum for the city is 42.8°C, recorded on May 24, 2014. The all-time high is 45°C observed on May 31, 2003.
High humidity is another factor that has been troubling the people of Chennai. The humid conditions are due to the moist southeasterly winds blowing predominantly from the sea. Though, these winds blowing during the afternoon hours suppress the steep rise in day temperatures in the city, they are accountable for high level of humidity due to their moisture content. Therefore, the weather in the city is more uncomfortable despite the day temperature hovering around 36°C.
According to the data available with Skymet, the city observes about 5 days of thundershower activity, and the monthly average rainfall for the city is 43.9 mm. So far there has only been traces of rain in the city due to which the discomfort level is high.
However, in next 72 hours a cyclonic circulation coming up off Tamil Nadu coast in the Bay of Bengal is expected to give some good amounts of rain in Peninsular India. This spell of rain is likely to pull down the day temperatures and provide some relief from the hot and humid conditions in the city.
Image Credit: thehindu.com