Madurai - Geography and Climate

Geography and Climate

Madurai is located at 9°56′N 78°07′E / 9.93°N 78.12°E / 9.93; 78.12 It has an average elevation of 101 metres. The city of Madurai lies on the flat and fertile plain of the river Vaigai which runs in the northwest-southeast direction through the city dividing it almost into two equal halves. The Sirumalai and Nagamalai hills lie to the north and west of Madurai. The land in and around Madurai is utilized largely for agricultural activity which is fostered by the Periyar Dam. Madurai lies southeast of the eastern ghats, the surrounding region occupies the plains of South India containing several mountain spurs. The soil type in central Madurai is predominantly clay loam, while red loam and black cotton types are widely prevalent in the outer fringes of the city. Paddy is the major crop, followed by pulses, millet, oil seed, cotton and sugarcane.

The municipal corporation of Madurai has an area of 147.977 km2. Madurai is hot and dry for eight months of the year. Cold winds are experienced during February and March as in the neighbouring Dindigul. The hottest months are from March to July. The city experiences a moderate climate from August to October, tempered by heavy rain and thundershowers, and cool and climate from November to February. Fog and dew are rare and occur only during the winter season. Being equidistant from mountain and sea, it experiences similar monsoon pattern with Northeast monsoon and Southwest monsoon, with the former providing more rain during October to December. The average annual rainfall for the Madurai district at large is about 85.76 cm.

Temperatures during summer reach a maximum of 40 °C and a minimum of 26.3 °C, though temperature over 42 °C is not uncommon. Winter temperatures range between 29.6 °C and 18 °C. A study based on the data available with the Indian Meteorological Department on Madurai over a period of 62 years indicate rising trend in atmospheric temperature over Madurai city, attributed to urbanisation, growth of vehicles and industrial activity. The maximum temperature of 42 °C for the decade of 2001 – 2010 was recorded in 2004 and in 2010.