Voters, polling officials brave the searing heat on polling day

Despite the extreme heat and humid weather, voters lined up at polling stations across the city, with many witnessing brisk turnout during the morning hours. In Chennai, where Nungambakkam recorded 35 degrees Celsius and Meenambakkam 37.5 degrees Celsius, many voters, particularly senior citizens, queued up early to cast their vote.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has continued its heat stress warning for coastal areas, including Puducherry and Karaikal, owing to humid air and high temperatures. Interior areas also sizzled on Thursday, with the maximum temperature rising two-three degrees Celsius above normal.