Chennai gets respite from searing heat as cloud cover, sea breeze cool city

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After a spell of soaring temperatures this June, Chennai and its fringes will experience cool weather on Saturday (June 20, 2026), with strong northeasterly winds bringing in moisture.

The mercury level in the city was around 32 degree Celsius at 10 a.m. on Saturday, much lower than its average temperature of 37 degree Celsius recorded in June. However, humidity level was high at 75%.

This was much lower than the day temperature of 37.9 degree Celsius recorded in Chennai on Friday (June 19). Palayamkottai had registered a hottest temperature of 39 degree Celsius in the State on Friday.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has said that a broad cloud band located about 80-100 km east-northeast of Chennai over the Bay of Bengal is likely to increase cloud cover across the city and suburbs. Humidity level would also see a spike.

Chennai may be spared soaring temperatures as daytime temperatures would remain one to three degree Celsius below normal due to reduced sunshine. Stronger sea breeze would help sustain moist onshore winds.

Though widespread heavy rainfall may not be possible, north coastal areas, including Chennai, will experience light to moderate thundershowers in isolated areas. The city may enjoy a cloudier, slightly cooler but more humid weather on Saturday. However, the RMC has noted no major rainfall event is expected in Chennai for the day.

During the past 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, Aavoor in Thiruvarur district received heavy rainfall of 14 cm, which was the highest rainfall recorded in the State. Various other weather stations in delta and interior districts too received moderate to heavy rainfall.

In its Nowcast valid till 1 p.m. on June 20, the RMC has predicted light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Pudukottai, Erode, and Villupuram. Rainfall may affect traffic in s