Synopsis
The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts a significant increase in maximum temperatures in Tamil Nadu, expected to rise by up to 4 degrees Celsius above normal due to the La Nina effect. The early onset of summer is linked to changes in weather patterns and climate change.Key Takeaways
- Maximum temperatures in Tamil Nadu may rise by 4°C.
- Summer has arrived sooner than usual this year.
- The La Nina effect is influencing weather patterns.
- Temperatures are expected to stabilize around 38-39°C.
- Recent forecasts indicate no extreme temperature spikes.
Chennai, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted a significant rise in maximum temperatures throughout Tamil Nadu, with mercury levels anticipated to soar by as much as 4 degrees Celsius above the normal range in the upcoming days.
In a statement released on Saturday, the weather agency highlighted that this year, summer has arrived sooner than expected, with temperatures already increasing by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the average February figures.
The RMC attributed this early onset of heatwave to the La Nina phenomenon, which has postponed the retreat of the northeast monsoon (NEM) and resulted in a milder winter season across Tamil Nadu.
P. Senthamarai Kannan, Director of the Area Cyclone Centre at RMC, elaborated, “The lack of a stimulating mechanism or cloud formation has led to diminished moisture levels over the sea, contributing to increased maximum temperatures, especially in coastal and interior districts of Tamil Nadu.
“Temperatures are projected to remain close to normal or slightly elevated until February 27.
Earlier this month, the state saw a notable decrease in temperature, particularly during early mornings and nights, due to alterations in wind patterns following the conclusion of the northeast monsoon.
However, the current delay in monsoon withdrawal caused by La Nina has disrupted the typical weather cycle.
Despite the current rise in temperatures, long-term forecasts suggest no dramatic increase in maximum temperatures this summer.
Experts indicate that temperatures are likely to stabilize around 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, akin to previous years, with no extraordinary spike anticipated in March.
Professor Kurian Joseph, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Management at Anna University, noted that the ongoing heatwave is not merely a result of weather changes but is also associated with climate change.
Throughout Tamil Nadu in the last 24 hours, numerous regions in northern Tamil Nadu and mountainous areas have reported temperature rises of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.
Maximum temperatures varied between 33 degrees Celsius and 36.5 degrees Celsius, while coastal regions experienced temperatures ranging from 29 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.
Light to moderate easterly and northeasterly winds in the lower tropospheric levels are expected to maintain dry weather conditions in isolated areas of Tamil Nadu for the next five days.
It is noteworthy that Tamil Nadu recorded a 14 percent increase in rainfall during the recent northeast monsoon season, accumulating 447 mm of rain, compared to the average of 393 mm.
Chennai received 845 mm of rainfall (+16 percent above average), while Coimbatore reported a 47 percent increase in rainfall.
