Tamil Nadu: Hill Stations Sizzle In Unusual April, Ooty Records Hottest Day Since 1986

Udhagamandalam or Ooty has recorded a 5.4-degree increase above the average temperature this summer.

The tourists visiting Ooty were surprised when the temperature suddenly soared. ( Image Source :Pixabay )

The Queen of Hills in Tamil Nadu, Udhagamandalam, is experiencing an unusual heatwave this summer, dispelling it as a cool retreat for the holiday season. The secluded hill station has been left parched due to a significant rise in temperature.

According to S Balachandran, Additional Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, this popular tourist destination recorded its highest-ever temperature of 29 degrees Celsius on April 29. This marked a 5.4-degree increase above the average temperature for Udhagamandalam. Previously, the highest temperature of 28.5 degrees Celsius was recorded on April 29, 1986, according to PTI.

The RMC has issued a warning for heatwave conditions in isolated pockets across north interior Tamil Nadu and has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions until May 3. The four colour codes for weather warning of the meteorological department include green (no action needed), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared) and red (take action).

In Tamil Nadu, the highest temperature of 42 degree Celsius was recorded in Erode. Chennai recorded 38.6 degree Celsius.  The MET Department also predicted light rain for the southern districts of Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli.

The tourists visiting Ooty were surprised when the temperature suddenly soared.

"The temperature at night was cooler, providing the needed relief to our guests," Balaji, manager at a resort, said, as per PTI.

The hill station, also known as Ooty, is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district located amidst the lush Western Ghats. The hill station witnesses a significant influx of visitors especially with the ten-day Ooty Flower Festival which is set to kick off on May 10, attracting hundreds of tourists.

Police authorities have announced that traffic regulations will be enforced starting from May 1 with the establishment of 12 designated parking areas.

Earlier, administration announced that Epass was mandatory for the people visiting Ooty. The Madras High Court has instructed the district collectors of Nilgiris and Dindigul to issue electronic passes (E-pass) for all vehicles entering the hill stations from May 7 to June 30 to monitor the flow of tourists effectively.