Tamil Nadu Weather: 17 Districts Cross 32°C, Karur Tops at 36.5°C

As summer gradually tightens its grip over Tamil Nadu, temperatures across the State have begun climbing steadily, with 17 districts recording maximum temperatures above 32°C on Saturday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).

Karur Paramathi emerged as the hottest location in the State, recording a scorching 36.5°C. Close behind were Vellore at 36.3°C and Tiruchirappalli Airport at 35.9°C. Erode (35.6°C), Salem (35.5°C), and Madurai Airport (35.2°C) also reported high daytime temperatures, indicating widespread heat across interior districts.

Several other districts crossed the 34°C mark, including Dharmapuri (34.3°C), Madurai City (34.2°C), Thirupattur (34.2°C), and Chennai Airport (34.1°C). Coimbatore Airport registered 33.6°C, while Palayamkottai, Thanjavur, and Tiruthani each recorded 33°C. Chennai city recorded 32.9°C.

Coastal areas were comparatively less intense but still warm, with Kanyakumari at 32.4°C, Pamban at 32.3°C, Puducherry at 32.2°C, and Tondi at 32°C. Adiramapattinam (31.7°C), Cuddalore (31.6°C), Nagapattinam (31.6°C), Thoothukudi (31°C), and Karaikal (30.8°C) remained slightly lower due to sea breeze influence. Parangipettai recorded 29.8°C.

In contrast, hill stations continued to enjoy much cooler conditions. Valparai recorded 26°C, Coonoor 22°C, Udagamandalam 20°C, and Kodaikanal a pleasant 16.6°C as the maximum temperature.

Minimum Temperatures and Departure from Normal

There was no large change in minimum temperatures over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal during the past 24 hours. However, minimum temperatures were above normal by about 2°C at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, while remaining near normal elsewhere.

Tiruthani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 19.5°C. In the hill regions, Kodaikanal recorded a chilly 6.9°C, marking the lowest minimum temperature in the State.

Meteorological conditions indicate evolving atmospheric activity over the southern peninsula. A cyclonic circulation currently lies over the Comorin area and neighbourhood at about 0.9 km above mean sea level. Additionally, a trough extends from the Comorin region to the Lakshadweep area at 1.5 km above mean sea level.

The earlier trough that stretched from Tamil Nadu to Marathwada has now reconfigured and runs from the cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area to Vidarbha, passing across Interior Tamil Nadu, Interior Karnataka, and Marathwada at 0.9 km above mean sea level. Despite these systems, significant rainfall activity has not been reported.

Temperature Outlook

The RMC has forecast no large change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from March 1 to March 5, 2026. However, a slight rising tendency is expected during this period. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain near normal to above normal by 2-3°C.

Minimum temperatures are also expected to witness no major change, though a slight falling tendency is predicted over the next five days.

Chennai Forecast

For Chennai city and its neighbourhood, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 33°C and 34°C on March 1 and 2. Minimum temperatures will likely range between 23-24°C on Day 1 and 22-23°C on Day 2.

The sky condition is expected to remain partly cloudy on both days. Mist or haze is likely to prevail during the early morning hours. No rainfall has been forecast for the next 24 hours.