Chennai has recorded its highest daytime temperatures of the year, with 38°C noted at Nungambakkam and 40.2°C at Meenambakkam. The surge in temperatures is attributed to hot and dry northerly winds from Rayalaseema, which have replaced the usual cooling sea breezes. According to V R Durai, director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, today's maximum temperatures could reach 40-41°C, particularly at Meenambakkam. The India Meteorological Department has predicted that these high temperatures will persist for the next two days before a slight drop of about 1°C. Some relief is anticipated around May 3, when light rainfall may occur in coastal areas, although heavier rainfall is expected to be limited to interior districts, as noted by Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist at Skymet Weather.