Cyclonic storm to miss Tamil Nadu, but heat surge threatens

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure region over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to gradually build into a cyclonic storm by March 21 and then move north-northeastwards, reaching the Bangladesh Myanmar coast around March 22.

Although the unusual cyclonic storm may miss Tamil Nadu, the delayed arrival of easterly winds will result in hotter days and heat surges, as well as humid nights. According to the IMD, temperatures in Chennai could reach 36 degrees Celsius, with temperatures in the state's interior districts reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

The transit of the system across the Bay of Bengal, according to meteorologists, may raise the temperature in Tamil Nadu. The IMD also forecasted that without strong winds from either direction, the temperature would rise during the day.

Only six cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal in March, according to forecasters, the fewest since 1901. During the day, temperatures in Erode, Madurai, Salem, and Coimbatore were approaching 40 degrees Celsius. (IANS)