EnvironmentFriday, 5 June 2026·The Hindu
Chennai climate projection: summer maximum may rise 1°C by 2040, monsoon intensity up 12%
Azim Premji University’s 2021–2040 climate projections report says Chennai may see a 1°C rise in summer maximum temperatures and 12% stronger southwest monsoon intensity.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, Azim Premji University released the report Indian Coastal Region: Climate Projections 2021–2040, projecting that Chennai’s summer maximum temperature may rise by 1°C and southwest monsoon intensity may increase by 12% by 2040.
Key specifics
- The study uses high-resolution 25x25-km climate data and compares 2021–2040 changes with a 1960s baseline.
- Nagapattinam district is projected to receive 20% more rainfall during the northeast monsoon.
- Across India’s coastline, average temperatures are projected to rise by about 1.5°C by 2040.
- Nearly 40 coastal districts may record summer temperature increases exceeding 1°C.
- Under a moderate emissions scenario, global sea levels are projected to rise by around 15 cm by 2050.
Exam lens
TNPSC environment and climate-change questions may ask about the report name, 25x25-km data, Chennai’s 1°C rise, Nagapattinam’s 20% rainfall increase, and the 15 cm sea-level projection. A typical question could be: which coastal district is projected to get more northeast monsoon rainfall?