Commuters wait under the scorching for buses near the Egmore Railway Station on April 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu
Residents across the city are struggling to cope with stifling afternoons and a surge in humidity that’s turning daily work into exhausting ordeals. Meteorologists noted that sea breeze, a source of relief from peaking temperature, brings in moisture and increases humidity level in coastal belt.
Sixty-five-year-old Anbumani Mohan, a Mogappair resident, has chosen to remain indoors since the start of this month to escape heat stress. “I have switched to evening walks after 6 p.m. instead of my morning walks as the sun is up early. Staying at home is difficult in sultry weather. I have no choice but to be in air-conditioned room, despite spiralling electricity bills,” she said.
For C. Selvam, a ride-hailing app driver, being out in the sun all day on his two-wheeler is part of his daily routine. “I usually start driving around 7 a.m., but during summer I begin an hour earlier to reach my target amount sooner,” he said. On some days, he takes a longer lunch break and buys extra water bottles during summer.
On Tuesday (April 15, 2025), the maximum temperature in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam remained normal at 34.4°C and 36°C, respectively, indicating a timely onset of sea breeze. However, it also meant relatively high humidity level causing discomfort. Nungambakkam had recorded a humidity level of 83% at 5.30 p.m. IST.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has started providing temperature and humidity forecasts to advise citizens about the impact of heat stress and tips to treat persons affected by sunstroke. In its special bulletin, it has predicted a gradual rise in day temperature by 2-3°C from April 17 and it is likely to be 35-40°C over north coastal districts, including Chennai. Humidity is likely to be 50-85% over the coastal belt till Saturday (April 19, 2025).
Officials of the RMC noted that Tamil Nadu generally experiences high humidity levels. Though various parameters like wet bulb temperature and dew point temperature are measured, RMC issued forecasts using relative humidity. B. Geetha, Scientist ‘D’, RMC said, “We have provided 37°C as the threshold for heat wave conditions in coastal areas because people will become uncomfortable when the humidity is high.”
Humidity dips when the region gets hot air advection from Telangana or during thunderstorm activity. Saturation of humidity may lead to thunderstorms, she said.
Meteorologists noted that the impact of more airconditioned facilities and urban heat islands could also influence residents’ discomfort.
Wet-bulb temperature, experts say, is a better indicator of heat stress and discomfort. It combines air temperature with humidity. High wet-bulb temperatures indicate dangerous conditions, particularly in humid environments.
Vidhya Venugopal, Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, advises listening to one’s body, as heat affects people differently. Symptoms such as dehydration should not be ignored. Cooling the body by splashing water on the face and body and covering the head can help. Outdoor workers should avoid dark-coloured clothing, and women should avoid wearing multiple layers.
Prof. Venugopal recommends taking short breaks, staying hydrated, and eating foods with high water content such as cucumber and chia seeds. She suggested including cooling ingredients like fenugreek, black salt, and jaggery in meals. Traditional options such as ragi porridge and fermented rice with small onions and green chilli are beneficial. She also advises reducing intake of high-protein foods before going outdoors, as they generate more body heat.
Published – April 15, 2025 08:52 pm IST