Residents of Chennai experienced a surprisingly chilly Sunday, with many longing for warmth as an uncharacteristic cold breeze swept through the city. The maximum temperatures recorded were significantly lower than the seasonal average, leading to a wave of reactions on social media and a sudden need for winter wear.
Temperature Plunge Below Seasonal Norms
The city's key weather stations recorded notably low readings. Nungambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 24°C, while Meenambakkam saw 25.1°C. This marks a sharp drop from the normal maximum temperatures of 29.5°C and 29.7°C for these locations, respectively. The average negative deviation stood at about 5°C. However, residents reported that the perceived cold felt even more intense, making it difficult to step outside without a jacket or sweater.
Social Media Buzz and Meteorological Causes
The unexpected chill set social media platforms abuzz, with many netizens drawing playful comparisons. Posts likened Chennai's weather to that of Bengaluru and popular hill stations like Ooty. Weather observers clarified that this unusual condition was triggered by a deep depression over the Gulf of Mannar, which later weakened into a low-pressure area. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast this development, popular weather blogger Pradeep John provided further insight. He explained that dense clouds approaching the Chennai skies turned into drizzle bands upon moving inland, resulting in the persistent cold weather.
Forecast: More Chill Before a Break
According to Pradeep John, this chilly trend is expected to continue until Monday. The rain activity is predicted to move into the interior parts of Tamil Nadu, with the Kongu belt likely to receive rains from Monday onwards. Residents can expect a complete break from the rain starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, other weather experts suggest that the actual winter season is yet to begin in full swing. A post on the 'Chennai Rains' X handle indicated that night and early morning temperatures are likely to dip further starting from Pongal for the next couple of weeks, though afternoons may become warm again.
