Chennai: After several days of steady rain signalling the onset of the northeast monsoon, Tamil Nadu is now experiencing a sharp rise in temperatures and a sudden halt in rainfall.

Meteorologists have cautioned that the current spell of heat is expected to continue and may even intensify across the state over the next week.

On Saturday, Chennai recorded one of its hottest November days in recent years, with temperatures reaching 35.5 degrees Celsius at the Nungambakkam observatory.

November usually brings moderate weather, but the present heat has taken both residents and weather experts by surprise.

Change in wind pattern behind the heat

Experts have attributed this unusual temperature rise to the absence of the usual easterly winds, which generally bring moisture and cooler air during the monsoon season.

In their place, westerly winds that are hot and dry have taken over, driving up temperatures across both coastal and interior regions of Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Montha’s role

According to meteorologists, the phenomenon is connected to Cyclone Montha, which recently crossed the Bay of Bengal and moved away from the Indian coast. The system is believed to have pulled the easterly winds towards itself, disrupting the regular monsoon flow.

As a result, Tamil Nadu and nearby areas have come under the influence of hot westerly winds, triggering a short-lived heatwave across the region.

Warming sea temperatures add to the heat

Adding to this situation, an increase in sea surface temperatures near Sumatra has intensified the warming trend. This rise in temperature has reduced cloud formation over southern India, allowing more direct sunlight during the day.

The outcome has been an unusual spell of dry heat during a period that is normally known for cloudy skies and scattered rainfall.

Relief expected soon

Weather experts predict that this phase of heat may not last for long. The high daytime temperatures could lead to the development of convective clouds, which may bring localised thunderstorms and light showers across parts of Tamil Nadu between Monday and Saturday (November 3 to 8).

These storms could be accompanied by lightning and brief gusts of wind.

Residents across the state have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours, and prepare for a week of unseasonable heat before the northeast monsoon returns to its usual pattern.

IANS inputs