Searing heat retained its grip on Chennai and its suburbs that experienced the hottest day of the year on Tuesday.
Rising temperature levels and high humidity made it difficult for city residents, particularly those who were outdoors. The weather stations at Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 37.6 degree Celsius and 38 degree Celsius respectively. The temperature level had climbed up by four degree Celsius above average for the day.
Last year, the maximum temperature had touched 38.3 degree Celsius in the city on March 31. Chennai experienced its all-time high temperature of 40.6 degree Celsius for the month on March 29, 1953. Several other districts like Salem and Vellore too sizzled on Tuesday. The mercury level peaked at 40.2 degree Celsius at Madurai airport.
