March 11 hottest day, more in store for city: Weather experts

K. Srikanth, a weather blogger at Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam (COMK), said the city recorded 35.1 degree Celsius (Nungambakkam) and 36.2 degree Celsius (Meenambakkam) on Friday. 

“Vellore recorded 39 degree Celsius on this day. The temperatures were higher than normal in North Tamil Nadu. The seasonal models indicate that this year will be a degree warmer than 2016. We also have to keep in mind the impact of the loss of green cover after Cyclone Vardah,” he said. 

The humidity made the heat even more unbearable, said Pradeep John, who blogs at Tamil Nadu Weatherman. 

“The humidity was 78% due to moisture incursion, which combined with the temperature, made the weather unbearable,” he said, adding, that the lack of tree cover could create an urban heat island effect. 

“Studies showed that Guindy was slightly cooler than other parts of the city, due to the green cover,” he added. The high temperatures have led to an increased demand for summer fruits and vegetables. 

“The crop has been less this year and harvest mediocre. The prices went up last week and will surely go up again, once the summer season is underway. There is demand for fruits like water melon. But sales are yet to pick up compared to last year,” said V R Soundarajan, honorary president, Koyambedu Vegetable Market Association.