Chennai: People stepping out to cast their vote on April 23 should be prepared to wait in long queues under sweltering conditions, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that hot and humid weather may persist. Daytime temperatures may touch 37°C to 38°C, while higher humidity levels of 60% to 80% in coastal areas could push the "feels-like" temperature to 40°C to 41°C.
Temperature Variations Across the State
Across Tamil Nadu, interior districts are likely to be hotter than coastal areas. There is also a possibility of rainfall over south coastal districts such as Kanyakumari and Tuticorin on Thursday. "Chennai may be the only coastal district recording around 37°C to 38°C. Maximum temperatures over other coastal districts may be lower as the sea breeze keeps them in check. However, the heat index will increase," said V R Durai, director of the area cyclone warning centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai. He added, "Relative humidity will be lower, around 20% to 30%, over interior districts, so actual temperatures there may be higher."
Weather Forecast for Wednesday and Beyond
On Wednesday, the city and suburbs are expected to experience hot and humid conditions, with maximum temperatures of 37°C to 38°C and minimum temperatures around 28°C. Till April 25, maximum temperatures may remain 2°C to 3°C above normal over parts of interior districts and near normal over coastal districts, Puducherry and Karaikal. On April 23, there is also a chance of light rain at isolated places over Western Ghat districts, delta coastal areas and southern coastal districts.
Voters are advised to carry water, use umbrellas or hats, and avoid peak sun hours if possible. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
