CHENNAI: With the heatwave-like conditions intensifying across the state, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has warned that the high temperature combined with high humidity is likely to cause discomfort over the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal region on Saturday.
However, interior districts in northern Tamil Nadu will get respite from the soaring heat as the RMC predicted heavy rain at isolated places in Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Namakkal districts.
As per data, the Chennai airport recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8°C on Friday, while Nungambakkam registered 39.2°C. Erode emerged as the hottest station with 41.4°C, followed by Vellore at 41.3°C.
RMC said that the maximum temperature rose by 2°C-3°C at isolated places in Tamil Nadu during the last 24 hours, with several stations recording temperatures above normal levels.
For Chennai, the RMC has forecast a maximum temperature of 40°C-41°C on Saturday with hot and humid conditions and partly cloudy skies. For Thursday, the weather office had predicted 41°C-42°C.
Despite the prevailing heat, thunderstorm activity is expected to increase gradually across the state. Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning, is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal region over the next several days.
On Sunday, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Theni and Madurai districts are expected to record heavy rains.