Heatwave conditions forecast in June, rain may bring relief

Chennai: With both city observatories breaching the 40°C mark on several days this week, the city has been experiencing its hottest spell of the year. But the India Meteorological Department’s long-range forecast for June suggests little immediate relief, with hot days, warmer nights and at least two to three heatwave days likely in the city and suburbs, though above-normal rainfall may offer intermittent respite.

Saturday’s weather may offer a preview of June. The IMD has forecast maximum temperatures of 40-41°C, with a possibility of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Minimum temperatures may remain around 28-29°C. The sky may be partly cloudy.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of meteorology, IMD, said many parts of the country may experience high day and night temperatures in June as rainfall activity could remain subdued. For Tamil Nadu, the agency has forecast above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. However, most parts of north Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and parts of central Tamil Nadu may receive above-normal rainfall.

“This means heatwave conditions could occur along with warm nights on some days,” he said. The forecast indicates that coastal districts from north Tamil Nadu to the delta region may experience heatwave conditions for two to three days in June. Chennai typically records an average maximum temperature of 37.2°C and receives about 6cm rainfall during the month.

The IMD has forecast the southwest monsoon to be below normal at 90% of the long-period average, while June rainfall across the country may remain below normal. During the monsoon season, Tamil Nadu too is likely to receive below-normal rainfall.

On Friday, cloudy weather brought temperatures down to 37.8°C in Nungambakkam and 38.8°C in Meenambakkam, around normal. Blogger Pradeep John said the intense heat may persist for another four days.