Tamil Nadu Weather: Is Summer Arriving Early? 20 Districts Record Over 30°C

Summer appears to be arriving early in Tamil Nadu, with temperatures steadily climbing across large parts of the State well before the peak summer months. According to the Regional Meteorological Department (RMD), at least 20 districts recorded maximum temperatures above 30°C on Sunday, an unusually high trend for February.

Vellore emerged as the hottest location in the State, recording a maximum temperature of 34.3°C. It was closely followed by Salem at 34.1°C, while Namakkal and Karur Paramathi touched 34°C each. Madurai Airport reported 33.7°C, Erode 33.6°C, and Kanyakumari 32.9°C, highlighting how the rising heat is being felt from northern interior districts to southern coastal regions.

Other notable readings included Coimbatore Airport at 32.8°C, Palayamkottai at 32.6°C, Tiruthani at 32.2°C and Madurai city at 31.8°C. Tiruchirappalli Airport recorded 31.5°C, while Chennai Airport and the city logged 31.4°C and 31.3°C respectively. Even traditionally moderate locations such as Dharmapuri (31.2°C), Adiramapattinam (31.1°C) and Thanjavur (31.0°C) crossed the 31-degree mark. Coastal towns like Tondi (30.8°C), Thoothukudi (30.6°C) and Pamban (30.3°C) also reported temperatures above 30°C.

Meteorologists noted that such widespread heat in February is noteworthy, as maximum temperatures during this period are typically lower. While daytime temperatures are rising, minimum temperatures have shown mixed trends. The RMD said minimum temperatures were below normal by around 2°C at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, while remaining near normal across the rest of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Tiruthani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 17.8°C, while Kodaikanal reported a chilly 7.5°C, the lowest among hill stations.

In addition to the heat, weather officials have issued a yellow alert for fog and reduced visibility in several districts during early morning hours. Shallow to moderate fog is likely to prevail at isolated pockets over Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Theni and the Nilgiris. Mist or haze is expected in parts of Salem, Erode, Dindigul, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu during the early morning, potentially affecting road visibility.

Looking ahead, the RMD has forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 1-2°C at isolated pockets across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from February 9 to February 13. During this period, maximum temperatures are likely to remain above normal by 1-2°C in select areas, indicating a steady warming trend.

The current pattern suggests an early transition towards summer-like conditions, particularly in interior districts. While no heatwave conditions have been declared so far, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun, and be cautious while commuting during foggy morning hours.