Chennai weather: City faces humid spell as IMD forecasts cloudy skies, brief showers likely

Chennai weather

Chennai experienced another sultry start on Wednesday, as the city, often dubbed the Gateway to South India, braced for characteristically hot and humid conditions to persist through the early monsoon period.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted cloudy skies not just for Chennai but across Tamil Nadu over the coming days, with the prospect of sporadic rainfall continuing.

According to a report by TOI, residents in Chennai can expect partly cloudy weather on August 6, with temperatures reaching a high of 34 degrees Celsius and a low of 27 degrees Celsius. The day began with sunrise at 5.55 am and sunset is set for 6.34 pm.

The atmospheric pressure at approximately 100.6 kPa and humidity levels hovering at 67%. Despite the ominous clouds, the likelihood of rain remains limited with the probability at 5.59%. A notably high UV index of 11 has been recorded, underscoring the need for sun protection, especially during peak hours.

Wind speeds through the city are expected to average around 7.75 km/h, with gusts tipping 7.57 km/h, moving predominantly from the southeast.

Forecasts suggest temperatures will plateau around 27 degrees Celsius through much of the day, with marginal fluctuation into the mid-30s during the early afternoon.

Over the next week, India Today report forecasts Chennai’s temperatures will range from 28 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius, with minor day-to-day variation.

Thursday and Friday are expected to hit 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius respectively, before a temporary reprieve over the weekend drops highs to 28–31 degrees Celsius.

For those needing to venture outside, meteorologists recommend taking precautions: staying well-hydrated and wearing light, breathable clothing.

Given the humidity, an umbrella remains a sensible accessory, while outdoor activities are best avoided during the midday peak.

While Chennai may avoid the worst of the monsoon deluge for now, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted that districts across the state, including areas in the Western Ghats, Puducherry, Karaikal, Nilgiris, Tenkasi, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Theni, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ariyalur and Perambalur could see moderate to heavy rainfall through the weekend.

The RMC added that the city’s cloud cover is likely to persist, contributing to both the swelter and the occasional drizzle.